Session 2 Flashcards
What is the HPG axis?
Hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis
Which hypothalamic releasing hormone is associated with the HPG axis?
GnRH
What is the name of the depression in the sphenoid bone in which the pituitary gland is located?
Sella turcica
What other name can be given to the pituitary gland?
Hypophysis
What other names can be given to the anterior pituitary gland?
Pars distalis
Adrenohypophysis
What other name can be given to the posterior pituitary gland?
Pars nervosa
What are the six peptide hormones produced by the anterior pituitary gland?
Prolactin Growth hormone (GH) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Which two hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary in response to GnRH?
LH
FSH
Describe the release of of GnRH from the hypothalamus.
Pulsatile (every 1-3 hours)
Travels to the pituitary via the hypophysial portal system
What is the name given to the cells of the anterior pituitary that secrete FSH and LH?
Gonadotrophs
Which cells of the testis secrete testosterone?
Leydig cells
Which hormone stimulates Leydig cells?
LH
Which hormone stimulates Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules?
FSH
What two functions are provided by Sertoli cells?
Increased spermatogenesis
Inhibin secretion
In the male, what feedback effect will testosterone have on the HPG axis?
Negative feedback on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland