56 Questions
How many loops form the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?
2 loops
What is the function of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland?
Production of hormones
Which blood vessels supply the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland?
Superior and inferior hypophysial arteries
Where does the blood from the primary plexus drain into?
Long portal veins
What is the connection between the two plexuses of capillaries called?
Portal system
Which part of the pituitary gland secretes releasing hormones?
Arcuate nucleus
What is the target tissue for Growth Hormone (GH)?
Bone & Muscle
What hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol?
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
Which hormone is responsible for the production of milk in the breast?
prolactin
What is the primary function of prolactin?
Production of milk
Which hormone is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland and triggers muscular contractions during childbirth?
oxytocin
What is the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the kidneys?
Impairs the kidney's filtering of bodily fluids
Which hormone promotes the secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)?
Growth hormone
Which part of the brain secretes oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
Hypothalamus
Which hormone is responsible for the condition known as acromegaly?
Growth hormone
Which hormone is hypersecreted in Cushing's syndrome?
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone
What is the primary treatment for acromegaly?
Surgical removal
What condition is caused by the hypersecretion of Growth Hormone during childhood?
Gigantism
What is the visual defect known as bitemporal hemianopia associated with?
Pituitary tumors
What test is used to assess the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis?
Insulin tolerance testing
Which region of the brain is located below the corpus callosum?
Hypothalamus
What connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland?
Pituitary stalk (infundibulum)
Which part of the pituitary gland receives direct innervation from the terminals of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei?
Posterior Pituitary (neurohypophysis)
Which arteries supply blood to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis?
Superior and inferior hypophysial arteries
Which plexus of capillaries facilitates the easier movement of large molecules in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis?
Sinusoidal capillaries
Which part of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis doesn't receive direct innervation?
Anterior Pituitary (adenohypophysis)
Which part of the brain is the hypothalamus located in?
Cerebrum
What is the primary function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?
To maintain homeostasis
Which gland is divided into two lobes, the posterior and anterior lobes?
Pituitary gland
What is the role of the posterior pituitary gland?
Control of water balance
Which hormone is responsible for the production of milk in the breast?
Prolactin
What hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol?
Adrenal cortical traffic common
What is the primary function of prolactin?
Milk production in the breast
What hormone promotes the secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)?
Growth hormone
Which structure is located just below the corpus callosum?
Hypothalamus
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
All of the above
What is the purpose of the sinusoidal nature of the capillary beds in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?
To allow for easier movement of larger molecules
Where does the majority of the blood supply to the pituitary gland come from?
Carotid artery
Which hormone is secreted in response to growth hormone releasing hormone through releasing hormone right at the start?
Human growth hormone
Which hormone is responsible for increasing the amount of energy obtained from glucose in the liver?
Human growth hormone
What condition can occur if the regulatory pathway for growth hormone is perturbed?
Acromegaly
Which hormone is produced in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone and eventually leads to the production of cortisol?
Adrenal traffic hormone
Which type of capillaries are found in the pituitary gland?
Sinusoidal capillaries
Where is the pituitary gland located in the brain?
Below the hypothalamus
Which nuclei are responsible for projecting nerve terminals into the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland?
Ventricular and super optic nuclei
Where are hormones secreted from in the pituitary gland?
Cell types in the anterior lobe
Which hormone is responsible for the production of testosterone in biological males?
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
What is the primary function of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)?
Increases metabolic rate
Which hormone is responsible for the condition known as hypothyroidism?
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
What is the effect of cortisol on the immune system?
Suppresses immune response
Which part of the brain is NOT involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?
Inferior boom
What is the main function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?
To control hormone secretion
What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland?
They form the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
What is the role of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland?
To control hormone secretion
What is the function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the kidneys?
To decrease urine production
What is the primary treatment for acromegaly?
Surgery
Study Notes
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
- The hypothalamic-pituitary axis is composed of two loops: the short portal vessel loop and the long portal vessel loop
- The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces and secretes hormones that regulate various bodily functions
Blood Supply
- The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are supplied by the superior and interior hypophysial arteries
- The primary plexus of capillaries drains into the portal veins, which then drain into the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland
Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland Connection
- The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are connected by the pituitary stalk
- The hypothalamus secretes releasing hormones that stimulate the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland to produce and secrete hormones
Hormones and Functions
- Growth Hormone (GH) targets the liver, stimulating the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol
- Prolactin is responsible for the production of milk in the breast and has a secondary function in osmoregulation
- Oxytocin triggers muscular contractions during childbirth
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) regulates the production of thyroid hormones
Pituitary Gland
- The pituitary gland is divided into two lobes: the anterior lobe, which produces and secretes hormones, and the posterior lobe, which stores and releases hormones
- The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland secretes oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
- The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland receives direct innervation from the terminals of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei
Hypothalamus
- The hypothalamus is located in the diencephalon region of the brain
- The primary function of the hypothalamus is to regulate body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other basic bodily functions
Other
- Acromegaly is caused by the hypersecretion of Growth Hormone in adults
- Hypersecretion of Growth Hormone during childhood can cause gigantism
- Bitemporal hemianopia is a visual defect associated with pituitary gland tumors
- The metyrapone test is used to assess the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
Test your knowledge on the anatomy and function of the hypothalamus and its associated structures. Learn about the anterior and posterior lobes, as well as the important role of the infundibulum. Explore topics such as blood supply, plexuses, and sinusoidal capillaries.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
