Chapter 10 Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the location of the pituitary gland?
Located within the cranium, just below the brain
Why is the pituitary gland referred to as the ‘master gland’?
Because it produces and secretes hormones that control most other endocrine glands and some bodily processes
What are the two major lobes of the pituitary gland?
- Anterior lobe
- Posterior lobe
How does the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland function?
Produces its own hormones; secretion is controlled by hypothalamus producing releasing or inhibiting hormones
What hormones are produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland?
Secretes 8 major hormones
What is the primary function of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland?
Stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus
What hormone does the posterior pituitary store and release that is involved in reproduction?
Oxytocin
What is the function of oxytocin?
- Stimulates the release of milk from mammary glands
- Promotes contractions during birth
What hormone is released by the posterior pituitary that controls water reabsorption in the kidneys?
ADH (vasopressin)
What is the function of ADH (vasopressin)?
Stimulates kidney cells to absorb more water from the urine, increasing blood volume
What happens to insulin levels in a healthy pancreas shortly after eating?
↑ Insulin shortly after eating to lower blood sugar
What role does glucagon play in a healthy pancreas after blood sugar drops?
↑ Glucagon later to stabilize levels when blood sugar drops
What occurs in a person with diabetes regarding insulin levels?
↓ Insulin causes prolonged high blood sugar
How does dysregulated glucagon affect blood sugar levels in diabetes?
May worsen the imbalance
What happens to blood sugar levels with too little glucagon?
↑ Insulin initially lowers blood sugar; ↓ Glucagon later fails to prevent hypoglycemia
