Understand The Relationship Between The Hypothalamus And Pituitary Gland ( Anterior & Posterior )

Question 1

Describe the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland

Answer 1

They form a complex functional unit that serves as the major link between the endocrine and nervous systems.

Question 2

What are the 8 main processes that the hypothalamus and pituitary gland modulate?

Answer 2

1. Body growth
2. Reproduction
3. Adrenal gland function
4. Water homeostasis
5. Milk secretion
6. Lactation
7. Thyroid gland function
8. Puberty

Question 3

Describe the structure of the pituitary gland

Answer 3

Two parts:
1. Anterior pituitary gland
2. Posterior pituitary gland

A pituitary stalk called infundibulum connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus.

(Looks like two bollocks )

Both pituitary have distinct embryological origins and distinct functions.

Posterior pituitary physically connected to the hypothalamus since the hypothalamus drops down through the infundibulum to form the posterior pituitary.

Question 4

Explain the neurocrine function of the posterior pituitary.

Answer 4

Oxytocin and ADH produced by neurosecretory cells in hypothalamus.

Transported down nerve cell axons to posterior pituitary.

Stored and released from posterior pituitary into the general circulation to act on distant targets.

Posterior pituitary does NOT synthesise hormones, it just releases them.

Question 5

Explain neurocrine function in anterior pituitary.

Answer 5

Hormones synthesised in hypothalamus transported down axons and stored in median eminence (structure act base of hypothalamus) before release into hypophyseal portal system.

These hormones stimulate ( or inhibit ) target endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary gland ( neurocrine function)

Endocrine cells of anterior pituitary secrete a variety of hormones into the blood stream to act on distant target cells ( I.e endocrine function )

Anterior pituitary hormones also effect neighbouring cells ( Autocrine and paracrine function )