A pea-sized gland which secretes a range of hormones in response to signals (both paracrine and neurocrine) from the hypothalamus and negative feedback from circulating hormones
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Hypophyseal portal system
A capillary system where blood vessels flow between the hypothalamus and the (anterior) pituitary gland. The hypothalamus secretes hormones into this system which signal to anterior pituitary (paracrine)
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FSH and LH
Hormones released from anterior pituitary in response to GnRH. They stimulate the testes to release testosterone and ovaries to release oestrogen. Absence leads to hypogonadism and infertility
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ACTH
Hormone released from anterior pituitary in response to CRH from hypothalamus. It stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol (excess can cause Cushing's Disease). Can also semi-regulate adrenaline release
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TSH
Hormone released from anterior pituitary in response to TRH from hypothalamus. Stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroxine and triiodothyronine
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Growth hormone
Hormone released from anterior pituitary in response to GHRH. It stimulates the growth of bone and muscles (excess causes Acromegaly - leads to increased insulin-like growth factor 1 - used to diagnose)
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Prolactin
Hormone released from anterior pituitary to stimulates lactation. Prolactin inhibitory factor (e.g. dopamine) suppresses this release. No negative feedback. Excess=hyperprolactinaemia, treat with dopamine agonists
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Hypothalamus
This consists of a structure of brain nuclei which has connections to almost all areas of the brain. A small, cone-shaped structure, below the thalamus that projects downwards, ending in the stalk of the pituitary gland
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Posterior pituitary
The hypothalamus communicates with this structure by stimulation of nerves which run down the pituitary stalk, stimulating the release of pre-stored hormones (oxytocin and ADH)
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Oxytocin
Hormone released from posterior pituitary which stimulates contractions of the smooth muscle of the breast and uterus. Synthetic form can be used to induce labour
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ADH
Hormone released from posterior pituitary which maintains salt and water balance. When dehydrated, there is an increase in this hormone to retain more water by acting on the collecting ducts of the kidney
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
A capillary system where blood vessels flow between the hypothalamus and the (anterior) pituitary gland. The hypothalamus secretes hormones into this system which signal to anterior pituitary (paracrine)
Back
Hypophyseal portal system
Card 3
Front
Hormones released from anterior pituitary in response to GnRH. They stimulate the testes to release testosterone and ovaries to release oestrogen. Absence leads to hypogonadism and infertility
Back
Card 4
Front
Hormone released from anterior pituitary in response to CRH from hypothalamus. It stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol (excess can cause Cushing's Disease). Can also semi-regulate adrenaline release
Back
Card 5
Front
Hormone released from anterior pituitary in response to TRH from hypothalamus. Stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroxine and triiodothyronine
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