The Pituitary Gland

Question 1

What are the two parts of the pituitary gland?

Answer 1

The anterior and posterior pituitary

Question 2

What are the eight functions the pituitary gland controls?

Answer 2

The eight functions are 
Adrenal function 
Thyroid function 
Gonadal function 
Lactation 
Parturition (childbirth)
Growth 
Water balance 
Metabolism

Question 3

What are the eleven functions controlled by the hypothalamus?

Answer 3

The hypothalamus controls 
Cold perception 
Stress 
Metabolic demand 
Hydration status 
Exercise 
Day/light cycle 
Menstrual cycle 
Sleep 
Breastfeeding 
Pregnancy

Question 4

What are the two types of hormone released by the hypothalamus?

Answer 4

The two types of neurohormones released by the hypothalamus are
Trophic
Non-trophic

Question 5

What are trophic neurohormones?

Answer 5

Tropic neurohomones are secreted into capillaries travelling to the anterior pituitary and govern the release of anterior poetry hormones

Question 6

What are non-trophic neurohormones?

Answer 6

Non-trophic neurohomones are produced in hypothalamus and travel to the posterior pituitary (via axons) where they are released into the blood

Question 7

What is the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system?

Answer 7

Network of tiny vessels which transfer trophic hormones from hypothalamus to anterior pituitary

Question 8

What are the five key features of the anterior pituitary?

Answer 8

True endocrine tissue 
Epithelial origin 
Connected to hypothalamus via capillary portal system 
Also called adenohypopthysis 
Makes up 2/3rds of the gland

Question 9

What are the six key features of the posterior pituitary?

Answer 9

Neurendocrine tissue 
Neural tissue origin 
Neural connection to hypothalamus 
Also called neurophpophysis 
Makes up 1/3rd of the gland