Hypothalamic Pituitary Hormones

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What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?

To regulate body temperature

To link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland (correct)

To produce hormones that stimulate the thyroid gland

To control the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland

Which of the following hormones stimulates the release of cortisol from the adrenal gland?

Prolactin releasing factor

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (correct)

What is the function of the hypophyseal portal vessels?

To transport hormones from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland

To transport hormones from the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus

To transport hormones from the pituitary gland to peripheral endocrine organs (correct)

To transport hormones from peripheral endocrine organs to the pituitary gland

What is the primary function of the adrenal medulla?

To produce catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is released in response to stress?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)?

To stimulate the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on protein metabolism?

Decrease protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the clinical condition resulting from chronic exposure to excessive circulating levels of glucocorticoids?

Cushing's Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on glucose metabolism?

Inhibit tissue glucose uptake Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on immune responses?

Inhibit inflammatory responses Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on bone metabolism?

Decrease bone density Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on lipolysis?

Stimulate lipolysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary laboratory test used to confirm the diagnosis of Cushing's disease?

24-hour urinary cortisol sample Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of high ACTH levels in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease?

ACTH-dependent Cushing's disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of aldosterone in the heart?

Induces heart remodeling Signup and view all the answers

What stimulates aldosterone release in the renin-angiotensin system?

Increase in plasma K concentration Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of chronic exogenous glucocorticoid therapy and abrupt stopping of the drug?

Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of gradual adrenocortical destruction in primary adrenocortical insufficiency?

Decreased adrenal glucocorticoid reserve Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of decreased plasma cortisol on pituitary ACTH secretion?

Reduced feedback inhibition Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary manifestation of glucocorticoid deficiency in Addison's disease?

Weakness, lethargy, and weight loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of aldosterone deficiency in Addison's disease?

Renal loss of sodium and water, causing hypovolemia and hyperkalemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the main diagnostic test for Addison's disease?

Early morning serum cortisol level Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of hyperpigmentation in Addison's disease?

It is a result of increased ACTH production Signup and view all the answers

Why is hyperpigmentation helpful in distinguishing between primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency?

It is more pronounced in primary adrenal insufficiency Signup and view all the answers