Pituitary disorders

Question 1

What is the posterior pituitary formed from?

Answer 1

Brain tissue

Question 2

What is the function of LH?

Answer 2

Causes ovulation and secretion of sex hormones

Question 3

What is the function of FSH?

Answer 3

Sperm and egg development

Question 4

What is the function of GH?

Answer 4

Skeletal growth, metabolism, muscle strength, bone density and cardial function

Question 5

Stress causes the release of which hormone?

Answer 5

ACTH or adrenocorticotrophic hormone

Question 6

In men, what are the functions of FSH and LH?

Answer 6

FSH drives sperm production whilst LH drives testosterone production

Question 7

Somatostatin ….. the release of GH from the anterior pituitary gland.

Answer 7

Inhibits

Question 8

In a primary hyperthyroidism, there will be high T4 and … TSH

Answer 8

LOW

Question 9

In a secondary hyperthyroidism, there will be …. T4 and high TSH

Answer 9

High T4

Question 10

What controls prolactin?

Answer 10

Dopamine

Question 11

Diabetes inspidus is an … deficiency or resistance.

Answer 11

ADH

Question 12

What are symptoms of diabetes inspidus?

Answer 12

Polydipsia, polyuria, high serum osmolality and low urine osmolality.

Question 13

What are the features of hypopituitarism?

Answer 13

Poor growth in children, loss of body hair, lethargic and pallor

Question 14

What is a prolactinoma?

Answer 14

A prolactin-secreting pituitary tumour

Question 15

An ACTH secreting tumour will lead to ….. disease

Answer 15

Cushing’s

Question 16

What are the symptoms of Cushing’s disease?

Answer 16

Rounded and plethoric face, central obesity with striae, easy bruising, proximal myopathy, hypertension and diabetes.

Question 17

Which hormones should be tested with a basal pituitary test?

Answer 17

Those that are at relatively constant levels throughout the day

Question 18

In a hormone deficiency dynamic test, would you stimulate or suppress the gland?

Answer 18

Stimulate the gland

Question 19

An insulin tolerance test would be used to test if there is a growth hormone deficiency. Why?

Answer 19

The low glucose levels would reduce somatostatin release so we can see if GH is responding and if there is a correct reserve.

Question 20

What is the anterior pituitary formed from?

Answer 20

Primitive gut tissue