The Hypothalamus and Autonomic Control Flashcards
Is the hypothalamus in the telencephalon or the diencephalon?
Diencephalon
Which ventricle does the hypothalamus surround?
Third ventricle
How many major nuclei are in the hypothalamus?
11
What is the major function of the hypothalamus?
Regulate homeostasis
What are the 2 sections of the pituitary gland?
- Anterior/adenohypophysis
- Posterior/neurohypophysis
What is the adenohypophysis?
Anterior pituitary
What is the neurohypophysis?
Posterior pituitary
What are parvocellular neurons?
Small diameter neurons in the hypothalamus which project into the pituitary stalk, communicate with the anterior pituitary/adenohypophysis
What are troph cells?
Hormone releasing cells in the anterior pituitary/adenohypophysis
How are hormones released from the adenohypophysis?
- Parvocellular neurons in the hypothalamus release releasing hormones into the circulation which enter the anterior pituitary capillaries through a portal vein
- Neurohormones activate receptors on troph cells
- Troph cells release their own hormones into the general circulation
What are magnocellular neurons?
Large diameter neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus whose axons project into the posterior pituitary/neurohypophysis
Which nuclei in the hypothalamus contain magnocellular neurons? (2)
- Paraventricular nucleus
- Supraoptic nucleus
How are hormones released from the neurohypophysis?
Magnocellular neuron axons project into the neurohypophysis and release hormones directly into the systemic circulation
Which hormones are released from the adenohypophysis?
Tropic hormones (e.g. growth hormone, gonadotropic hormones)
Which hormones are released from the neurohypophysis? (2)
- ADH/vasopressin
- Oxytocin
Which effectors does the ANS innervate? (3)
- Smooth muscle
- Cardiac muscle
- Glands