Pituitary Disorders Flashcards
What are the physiological and anatomical relationships between the hypothalamus and the pituitary?
The hypothalamus coordinates physiological responses of organ systems to maintain homeostasis and stimulates neuroendocrine responses, while the pituitary gland releases hormones regulated by hypothalamic hormones.
What role do the hypothalamus and pituitary gland play in regulating bodily functions?
They regulate growth, metabolism, and stress response.
What are the two different pathways used for hypothalamic-pituitary interactions?
- Hypophyseal portal circulation
- Hypothalamo-hypophyseal tract
How many hormones does the anterior pituitary secrete?
6 hormones
How many hormones are secreted by the posterior pituitary?
2 hormones
What are the hypothalamic tropic hormones?
- TRH
- CRH
- GnRH
- GHRH
- Somatostatin
What is the main function of growth hormone (GH)?
Promotes protein synthesis and tissue building.
What is the effect of somatostatin on hormone secretion?
Inhibits the secretion of GH and TSH.
What is the primary function of prolactin?
Promotes lactation in women.
What is the role of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?
Triggers release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.
What is the half-life of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)?
Approximately 6 minutes.
What does corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulate?
The secretion of ACTH.
Which hormone is associated with the regulation of adrenal gland secretion of corticosteroid hormones?
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH).
What is the feedback mechanism of cortisol in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?
Cortisol inhibits production of both ACTH and CRH.
What are the disorders associated with elevated levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)?
- Major depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
What are the two types of feedback loops mentioned?
- Negative feedback loops
- Positive feedback loops
Fill in the blank: The _______ secretes hormones that regulate the anterior pituitary hormones.
hypothalamus
True or False: The anterior pituitary receives peptide hormones via hypophyseal portal circulation.
True
What are the effects of growth hormone deficiency (GHD)?
Poor growth, often short stature.
What are the consequences of hyperprolactinemia?
- Interference with ovulation and menstruation
- Lactation when not pregnant or breastfeeding
How does GnRH regulate the secretion of LH and FSH?
Through differences in the size and frequency of GnRH release.
What is the primary function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
Regulates water balance in the body.
What is the primary function of oxytocin?
Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.
What does ACTH (corticotropin) stimulate?
Secretion of corticosteroid hormones from the adrenal gland
ACTH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland.