Endocrinology Quiz on Anterior Pituitary Hormones

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Questions and Answers

Which type of cell produces and secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?

Gonadotrophs (correct)

Melanotrophs

Chromophobes

Corticotrophs

Which of the following is NOT a subdivision of the adenohypophysis?

Pars nervosa (correct)

Pars distalis

Pars intermedia

Pars tuberalis

What is the primary function of leuteinizing hormone (LH) in females?

Stimulates spermatogenesis

Stimulates follicle maturation and ovulation (correct)

Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles

Induces melanocytes to make melanin pigment

What is the function of the somatotrophs in the pars distalis?

Secrete growth hormone, which stimulates general body growth. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In males, which cells are targeted by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?

Sustentacular/Sertoli cells (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the dense network of congested sinusoidal capillaries surrounding the cells of the pars distalis?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is produced by corticotrophs and stimulates steroid hormone biosynthesis in the adrenal gland?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell in the pars distalis has an affinity for basic dyes?

Basophils (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes chromophobes?

They are thought to be degranulated or resting cells. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the precursor polypeptide for several hormones, including ACTH, produced by melanotrophs?

POMC (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structure that connects the median eminence of the hypothalamus to the pars nervosa of the neurohypophysis?

Infundibulum (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)?

Induces melanocytes to make melanin pigment (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do endocrine glands differ from exocrine glands?

Endocrine glands release their secretions into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands release their secretions into ducts. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a healthy equine, where is ACTH primarily produced?

Pars distalis (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cells in the pars distalis secretes prolactin?

Lactotrophs (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the second capillary bed in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system?

Sinusoidal capillaries of the pars distalis (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic found in the pars nervosa of the neurohypophysis?

Spherical foci of colloid (C) Signup and view all the answers

The hormone responsible for causing vascular smooth muscle to contract and raise systemic blood pressure is:

Vasopressin (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Pars tuberalis?

Regulation of the seasonal reproductive cycle (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is the primary site of hormone synthesis and release in the pituitary gland?

Pars Distalis (A) Signup and view all the answers

The axons of neurons in the hypothalamus that synthesize hormones and transport them to the pars nervosa originate from which nuclei?

Supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is NOT stored and released by the neurohypophysis?

Growth hormone (B) Signup and view all the answers

How are hormones produced in the hypothalamus transported to the anterior pituitary?

Through the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is considered the most reliable method for distinguishing different cell types in the pituitary?

Immunostaining for specific cellular products (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cells are responsible for synthesizing and releasing insulin, crucial for regulating blood sugar levels?

Beta cells (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pineal gland, a structure in the brain that is closely linked to light and dark cycles?

Synthesis of hormones involved in regulating reproductive activity (C) Signup and view all the answers

In which type of animal are epinephrine-producing cells predominantly located in the outer medulla, while norepinephrine-producing cells are found in the inner medulla?

Ruminants (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of parathyroid hormone (PTH)?

Increase blood calcium levels (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of principal cells in the parathyroid gland?

Acidophilic staining cytoplasm (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of somatostatin, a hormone produced by delta cells in the pancreatic islets?

Inhibiting the release of both glucagon and insulin (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between chromaffin cells and the APUD group?

Chromaffin cells are a specific type of cell within the APUD group. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the adrenal medulla?

Production of catecholamines (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which zone of the adrenal cortex is responsible for producing mineralocorticoids?

Zona Glomerulosa (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the cells in the Zona Fasciculata of the adrenal cortex?

Arranged in corded columns separated by sinusoids (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the adrenal cortex?

Modified post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type in the parathyroid gland is characterized by bright, acidophilic staining cytoplasm and abundant mitochondria?

Oxyphil cells (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the adrenal glands is TRUE?

They are composed of the cortex and a medulla. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these structures are found within the stroma of the thyroid gland?

Blood vessels (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the activity of the thyroid follicular epithelial cells affect the appearance of the colloid?

Higher activity results in more resorption spaces in the colloid. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of thyroglobulin?

To store T3 and T4. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between TSH and thyroglobulin?

TSH stimulates the synthesis of thyroglobulin. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If the thyroid gland is producing an excess of thyroxine (T4), what would be the most likely effect on the activity of the follicular epithelial cells?

They would become more cuboidal in shape. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of parafollicular cells (C-cells) in the thyroid gland?

To synthesize and secrete calcitonin. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does calcitonin lower blood calcium levels?

By inhibiting osteoclast activity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between how T3 and T4 are released from the thyroid gland?

T4 is released directly into the bloodstream, whereas T3 is released into the surrounding CT. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrine System Histology

The endocrine system comprises glands that release secretions (hormones) into the interstitial tissue, rather than ducts.
Hormones affect target cells in distant locations or locally.
Endocrine tissue can be found in discrete glands, scattered masses within other organs, or isolated cells within tissues like the digestive tract.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland (hypophysis cerebri) has two main parts: adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis.
Adenohypophysis:
- Pars distalis: Produces hormones like growth hormone (GH), prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
- Pars intermedia: Produces ACTH and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
- Pars tuberalis: Function unclear (in some species).
Neurohypophysis:
- Pars nervosa: Stores and releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
- Infundibulum/infundibular stalk: Connects the pituitary to the hypothalamus.

Adenohypophysis Details

Chromophils: Cells with abundant cytoplasm that stain readily.
- Acidophils: Stain with acidic dyes, like somatotrophs (growth hormone) and lactotrophs (prolactin).
- Basophils: Stain with basic dyes, like thyrotrophs (thyroid-stimulating hormone), gonadotrophs (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone), and corticotrophs (adrenocorticotropic hormone).
Chromophobes: Cells with poorly staining cytoplasm.

Pars Intermedia

The pars intermedia lies between the pars nervosa and pars distalis.
It contains melanotrophs that produce pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), a precursor to hormones like ACTH.

Pars Tuberalis

This part surrounds the infundibulum.
Its cells have melatonin receptors and potentially involved in seasonal reproduction.

Neurohypophysis

Pars Nervosa: Contains axon terminals of hypothalamic neurons, which store and release hormones (oxytocin and ADH).
Herring Bodies: Accumulations of neurosecretory granules in axon terminals.
Neurosecretory bodies store oxytocin and ADH.

Hypothalamus

The ventral portion of the diencephalon (brain) produces releasing hormones that regulate pituitary function.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is an encapsulated organ with a stroma (connective tissue capsule) and parenchyma (follicles).
Follicles: Contain colloid (storage for thyroglobulin), lined by follicular cells that produce and secrete thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Parafollicular cells (C-cells): Produce calcitonin to regulate calcium levels.

Parathyroid Glands

Usually two glands per thyroid lobe.
Principal cells (chief cells): Produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium blood levels.
Oxyphil cells: Their function is unknown.

Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands have a cortex (outer region) and medulla (inner region).
Cortex: Divided into three zones (glomerulosa, fasciculata, reticularis) which produce steroid hormones (mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, gonadocorticoids).
Medulla: Contains chromaffin cells that produce catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).

Pineal Gland

Located in the brain; produces melatonin, which is involved in regulating reproductive function and the sleep/wake cycle.

Pancreatic Islets

Groups of endocrine cells scattered throughout the pancreas.
Alpha cells: Produce glucagon.
Beta cells: Produce insulin.
Delta cells: Produce somatostatin.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the anterior pituitary gland, its cell types, and the hormones they produce. This quiz covers key functions of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and other important endocrine concepts. Ideal for students studying human biology or medicine.