Pituitary Physiology

Question 1

Anterior Pituitary:
Which hormones does it release?

How is its secretion regulated?

Answer 1

➊ • GH - promotes growth and metabolism
• Prolactin - induces lactation
• LH and FSH - stimulates gonads to produce sex hormones
• TSH - stimulates TH production
• ACTH - stimulates cortisol production

➋ Hypothalamic hormones via blood

Question 2

Posterior Pituitary:
Which hormones does it release?

How is its secretion regulated?

Answer 2

➊ • ADH - water excretion
• Oxytocin - promotes uterine contraction and breastfeeding

➋ Hypothalamic hormones via nerve fibres

Question 3

Pituitary Disease:
What are the types of Pituitary tumours?

What are the types of Pituitary deficiencies?

Answer 3

➊ • Adenoma
• Prolactinoma
• Acromegaly
• Cushing’s syndrome

➋ • Hypopituitarism
• GH deficiency
• Gonadotrophin (LH, FSH) deficiency
• ADH deficiency (SIADH, Diabetes Insipidus)