The Pituitary Gland Flashcards
The hypothalamus is part of the brain (_____) and is connected to the pituitary gland (_____). Part of it’s function is to released chemicals into the blood that act at distal sites, hence it has _____________ function
The hypothalamus is part of the brain (above) and is connected to the pituitary gland (below). Part of it’s function is to released chemicals into the blood that act at distal sites, hence it has neuroendocrine function
As the hypothalamus is made up of neural (brain) tissue any chemicals released into the blood from the hypothalamus must be ___________
neurohormones
WHat are the secretions of the the hyopthalamus?
Everything out of the hypothalamus is an neuroendocrine hormone
Neural in origin but is releasing its secretions into the blood
the hypothalamus is an integration centre for what?
Integration centre for endocrine systems
How is the hypothalamus connected to the pituitary?
Connected to the pituitary via a stalk (infundibulum)
How is the hpyothalamus connected to the posterior pituitary?
Hypothalamic axons and nerve terminals project to, and form, the posterior pituitary
How is the hypothalamus connected to the anterior pituitary?
Connection with anterior pituitary is via neurohormones
Describe the anatomy of the pituitary gland
Bean-shaped and bean-sized endocrine gland (~14 mm diameter)
Located in a pocket in the sphenoid bone, directly below the hypothalamus
Contains 2 distinct types of tissue – anterior and posterior pituitary
how are the anterior and posterior pituitary connected to the hypothalamus?
A - connected to hypothalamus via capillary portal system
P - is a continuation of the hypothalmus
what are alternative names for the anterior and posterior pituitary glands?
A - also called adenohypophysis
P - also called neurohypophysis
How much of each of the anterior and posterior pituitary make up of the gland?
A - makes up 2/3rds of the gland
P - makes up 1/3rd of the gland
Is the anterior and posterior pituitary endocrine or neuroendocrine?
A - true endocrine tissue
P - is neuroendocrine
what is the origin of the anterior and posterior pituitary?
A - epithelial origin
P - is neural in origin
What does the posterior pituitary secrete?
secretes neurohormones made in hypothalamus
what does the posterior pituitary consist of?
consists of axons and nerve terminals of hypothalamic neurons
What is the bit inbetween the anterior and posterior pituitary and what is its function?
Pars intermedia (MSH) – melanocyte stimulating hormone is released form there and is the hormone that’s influences the production of melanin in your skin and determines the colour of your skin and weather you get freckles or moles
This is the bit between the anterior and posterior pituitary gland
Hypothalamus and pituitary serve key integrative functions
what are some examples?
Both the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary release _____ ____ _________ hormones (tropic hormones govern the release of another hormone)
tropic and non-tropic
All hormones released by the hypothalamus are _____________
All hormones released by the posterior pituitary are _____________ (from the hypothalamus)
All hormones released by the anterior pituitary are classic ________________
All hormones released by the hypothalamus are neurohormones
All hormones released by the posterior pituitary are neurohormones (from the hypothalamus)
All hormones released by the anterior pituitary are classic endocrine hormones