Pituitary gland Flashcards
Where is the pituitary gland located in the skull ?
Sella turcica
What are the two parts of the pituitary ?
Adenohypophysis (anterior)
Neurohypophysis (posterior)
What is the role of the neurohypophysis?
Secretes hormones that have been created in the hypothalamus
(secretes but does not create)
What hormones are secreted by the neurohypophysis?
Antidiuretic hormone / Vasopressin
Oxytocin
What does vasopressin / antidiuretic hormone do ?
Water resorption in the kidneys and excretion of concentrated urine
(controls plasma osmolarity and body water content)
What does oxytocin do?
Uterine contraction and let-down reflex in lactation , behavioural and brain development effects
What are 6 hormone secreting cells found in the adenohypophysis ?
- Corticotrophs
- Thyrotrophs
- Lactotrophs
- Gonadotrophs
- Somatotrophs
- Mammosomatotrophs
What do corticotrophs produce?
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
What do thyrotrophs produce?
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
What do lactotrophs produce?
Prolactin
What does ACTH do?
Triggers the adrenals to release cortisol
What does TSH do?
Acts on the thyroid gland to trigger production of T3 and T4
What does prolactin do?
Regulates lactation
What do gonadotrophs produce?
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinising hormones (LH)
What do somatotrophs produce?
Growth hormone
