Topic 1 & 2

Question 1

what are the functions of the hypothalamus?

Answer 1

sends and receives endocrine and neural signals, regulates internal environment. key functions include, food intake, body weight, blood pressure, sleep cycle, sexual behaviour

Question 2

explain steps of hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland?

Answer 2

1. hypothalamic neurons make releasing and inhibiting neurohormones
2. these neurohormones travel down special blood vessels (hypophyseal portal veins) to release or inhibit anterior pituitary hormones
3. anterior pituitary hormones released in to the blood stream.

Question 3

what are the steps of anterior pituitary gland release?

Answer 3

1. corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) released from the hypothalamus. triggered by stressors
2. stimulates adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland.
3. triggers adrenal glands to release corticosteroids.

Question 4

what is growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH) and what are triggers?

Answer 4

GHRH: hypothalamus releases this hormone if triggered by decrease in fatty acids and glucose or an increase in exercise, sleep

GHIH: triggered by an increase in fatty acids and glucose, obesity

Question 5

what is gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)?

Answer 5

released from the hypothalamus, stimulates and releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from APG. triggers gonads (ovaries and testes).

Question 6

prolactin (PRL) ??

Answer 6

regulated by prolactin inhibiting peptides, triggers lactation from the breast, related to eating, mating, estrogen, ovulation and nursing.

more inhibiting proteins -> less prolactin
less inhibiting proteins -> more prolactin

Question 7

what are the two main hormones released from posterior pituitary gland? where are they formed?

Answer 7

they are formed in hypothalamus and stored in PPG then released.
paraventricular nuclei produces oxytocin
super optic nucleus synthesising energy antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Question 8

what is the pineal gland and function?

Answer 8

tiny pine-cone shaped organ in centre of brain which produces melatonin when there is low light/darkness. regulates sleep wake cycle.