The Hypothalamo-Pituitary Axis Flashcards
What are the Endocrine glands within the body?
Where are they located ?
- Always in the central axis of the body.
What hormones does the adrenal gland produce ?
Cortex
Functionally, the cortex can be divided into three regions (superficial to deep):
Zona glomerulosa – produces and secretes mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone.
Zona fasciculata – produces and secretes corticosteroids such as cortisol.
Zona reticularis – produces and secretes androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHES). It also secretes a small amount of corticosteroids.
Medulla
The medulla lies in the centre of the gland, and is dark brown in colour. It contains chromaffin cells, which secrete catecholamines (such as adrenaline) into the bloodstream in response to stress.
What cells in the Adrenal Medulla is adrenaline released from ?
Chromaffin Cells
What structure connects the Hypothalamus to the pituitary gland ?
The Infundibulum
What is the Neurohypophysis ?
The posterior pituitary gland
How does the Hypothalamus communicate with the anterior pituitary gland?
The hypophyseal portal system, this structure allows the hypothalamus to communicate with the anterior pituitary via the release of neurotransmitters into the bloodstream.
The anterior pituitary gland receives arterial supply from the superior hypophyseal artery (a branch of the internal carotid artery).
How does the Hypothalamus communicate with the posterior pituitary gland ?
The Inferior hypophyseal artery.
What is adenohypophysis referring to ?
Anterior pituitary gland
What are tropic hormones?
- Control each other by negative feedback
Thyroid
Adrenal
Gonadal
