T1 L3, Pituitary gland Flashcards
What type of circulation does the pituitary gland have?
Sinusoidal circulation (containing pores that allow free flow of proteins)
Which gland sits right below the optic chiasm?
The pituitary gland
Which structure is the pituitary gland directly attached to?
The hypothalamus. They’re connected by the stalk
What are some functions of the Hypothalamus?
- Integrates functions that maintain chemical and temperature homeostasis
- Functions with the limbic system
- Controls the release of hormones from the anterior and posterior pituitary gland
Which Hypothalamic releasing hormones stimulates secretion of FSH and LH?
Gonadatropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Which Hypothalamic releasing hormone inhibits growth hormone secretion?
Somatostatin (SS)
Which Hypothalamic releasing hormones inhibits prolactin secretion?
Dopamine
Which Hypothalamic releasing hormone stimulates secretion of ACTH?
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)
What is ACTH?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone which controls the production of cortisol
Which Hypothalamic releasing hormone stimulates secretion of TSH?
Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)
Which Hypothalamic releasing hormones stimulates secretion of GH?
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)
What is GH?
Growth hormone. It fuels childhood growth and helps maintain tissues and organs throughout life
How are hormones from the hypothalamus delivered to the anterior pituitary gland?
Through the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system
How does prolactin act as a natural contraceptive?
It stops ovulation
What is the role of oxytocin in breastfeeding?
It’s responsible for transporting milk into the ducts which connect to the nipple
It contracts the myoepithelial cells of the alveoli
What is the role of prolactin in breastfeeding?
It enlarges breasts and produces milk
Which hormones are produced in the anterior pituitary gland?
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
- Growth hormone (GH)
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinising hormone (LH)
- Prolactin (Prl)
How many different hormones does the anterior pituitary gland produce?
6
Which hormones are produced in the posterior pituitary gland?
- Arginine vasopressin (AVP) (also known as ADH)
- Oxytocin
How many different hormones are produced in the posterior pituitary gland?
2
What are the 5 phenotypically distinct cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and what % do they make up?
Somatotropes (50%) Lactotropes (10-20%) Corticotropes (5-10%) Thyrotropes (5%) Gonadotropes (10-15%)
What do Somatotropes of the anterior pituitary gland do?
They synthesise growth hormones
What do Lactotropes of the anterior pituitary gland do?
They synthesise prolactin
What do Corticotropes of the anterior pituitary gland do?
They synthesise adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
What do Thyrotropes of the anterior pituitary gland do?
They synthesise Thyrotropin
What do Gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary gland do?
They synthesise Luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)