The Pituitary Gland Flashcards
Two classes of hormones?
Peptide and steroid.
How are peptide hormones synthesised?
Synthesised as pro hormones. Further processing such as cleavage to activate.
How are peptides hormones stored?
Stored as vesicles.
How do peptides hormones create a signal?
Transduce signal using 2nd messenger systems.
How are steroids synthesised?
Synthesised from cholesterol.
How are steroids released compared to peptides?
Released immediately while peptide secretion is regulated.
How do steroids create a signal?
Bind to intracellular receptors and alter gene expression directly.
What bone holds to pituitary gland?
Sella turcica of sphenoid bone.
Another name for the anterior pituitary?
Adenohypophysis.
Another name for the posterior pituitary?
Neurohypophysis.
What is the optic chiasm?
Optic nerve crossover. Where neurones from the nasal retina cross over.
Where does the anterior pituitary gland grow from during fetal development?
Upgrowth from oral ectoderm.
Where does the posterior pituitary gland grow from during fetal development?
Downwards growth from diencephalon.
What is Rathke’s pouch?
Is an ectodermal invagination of the roof of the developing embryonic mouth.
What controls the anterior pituitary?
Hypothalamus.