L43 Hypothalamus and pituitary

• state 3 parts of pituitary gland

  -anterior

  -posterior

  -pars intermedia
• pituitary gland is located at the base of brain, just below hypothalamus
• functions of hypothalamus

  -controls body temperature

  -controls water balance

  -involved in reactions to stress
• describe briefly hypothalamic and pituitary relationship

  -hypothalamus regulates function of pituitary gland

  -connect to anterior and posterior pituitary via portal blood system and neuronal connection respectively
• state 2 hormones for each anterior and posterior pituitary gland

  anterior : growth hormone, prolactin

  posterior : oxytocin, ADH
• state function of hormones

  GH: promote growth

  Prolactin: milk production

  Oxytocin: ejection of milk

  ADH: retention of water
• differences of anterior and posterior pituitary gland

  anterior : secretes hormone

  posterior : stored secreted hormone by hypothalamus
• abnormalities of growth hormone

  -acromegaly

  -dwarfism

  -gigantism
• posterior pituitary gland pathway

  hypothalamus -> hypothalamo-hyposeal tract -> posterior pituitary gland
• Growth Hormone (GH)

  Stimulates growth and cell reproduction
• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

  Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

  Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol)
• Prolactin

  Regulates lactation and milk production
• Oxytocin


  Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and helps with milk letdown
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)


  Regulates sperm production and ovulation
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)


  Regulates ovulation and testosterone production
• Pituitary Hypofunction (Hypopituitarism)


  The pituitary gland produces too little hormone, leading to various deficiencies in bodily functions.
• Pituitary Hyperfunction (Hyperpituitarism)


  The pituitary gland produces too much hormone, leading to overactive states.
• Hypopituitary Dwarfism

  Reduced growth hormone production, resulting in short stature.
• Acromegaly


  Excessive growth hormone production, leading to excessive growth and bodily changes.