Hypothalamus & Pituitary Flashcards
(25 cards)
What are the two cell bodes of the posterior pituitary that reside in the hypothalamus?
1) Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN)
2) Supraoptic Nucleus (SON)
The posterior pituitary gland stores two hormones that are secreted via cell bodies in the hypothalamus; ADH and Oxytocin. What are their respective cell bodies, from which they are secreted, in the hypothalamus?
1) ADH: Supraoptic Nucleus (SON)
2) Oxytocin: Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN)
What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary?
Neural connection
What is the connection between the anterior pituitary and the hypothalamus?
Neural and Hormonal
What is the connecction between the Posterior pituitary and the hypothalamus?
Hypophysial stalk
What is the connection between the anterior pituitary and the hypothalamus?
Hypothalamic-Hypophysial portal vessels
What is a primary endocrine disorder?
Low or high levels of hormone in the peripheral endocrine gland
What is a secondary endocrine disorder?
Low or high levels of hormone due to defect in the pituitary gland
What is a tetiary endocrine disorder?
Low or high levels of hormone due to defect in the hypothalamus
A corticotroph in the anterior pituitary releases?
ACTH
A Thyrotroph in the anterior pituitary releases?
TSH
A Gonadotroph in the anterior pituitary releases?
FSH & LH
A somatotroph in the anterior pituitary releases?
GH
A lactotroph in the anterior pituitary secretes?
Prolactin
GH stimulates the secretion and transcription of what product in the liver?
Somatomedin C (IGF-1; insulin like growth factor)
The Internal Carotid Artery branches off and supplies what two arteries?
1) Superior Hypophyseal A.
2) Inferior Hypophyseal A.
What is the function of the superior hypophyseal A. ?
Supplies the median eminence and the infundibulum (Connection between the posterior pituitary and the hypothalamus)
What is the function of the inferior hypophyseal A. ?
It supplies the pars nervosa of the posterior pituitary
What arteries give rise to the primary capillary plexus ( in the median eminence)?
The superior hypophyseal arteries
Describe the flow of blood flow from primary capillary plexus
Primary plexus (derived from the superior hypophyseal arteries) –> hypophyseal portal veins –> secondary capillary plexus (supplies pars distalis; anterior pituitary)
What is the third capillary plexus derived from and what does it supply?
1) Derived From: Inferior Hypophyseal A.
2) Supplies the Neurohypophysis
What is the most common tumor affecting the HP axis in children?
Craniopharyngioma: Tumor can compress the optic chiasm
What is Sheehan syndrome?
1) Pituitary Gland in pregnancy is enlarged and is more prone to infection
2) Pathology: Results in hypopituitarism due to necrosis of the pituitary gland. Patients will present with agalactorrhea & amenorrhea
ADH acts on what type of receptors for the kidney and the blood vessels?
Kidneys: V2 receptors (reabsorption of water)
Blood Vessels: V1 receptors (Vasoconstriction)
