Endocrine Anatomy: Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

Define: Interstitial Fluid

Pressure in capillaries causes a continuous leakage of fluid from the blood plasma called interstitial fluid. The leakage of gas affects the tissues located adjacent to the capillary membranes. Within this gas, nutrients, hormones, wastes, gases, and small proteins are absorbed by nearby cells.

Does the hypothalamus secrete anything?

Yes. Although the pituitary gland does the majority of secretion, the hypothalamus does secrete substances into the blood stream.

Define: Secrete

(Of a cell, gland, or organ) produce and discharge (a substance)

Define: Capillary

A capillary is a tiny blood vessel which is responsible for the exchange of waste, nutrients, gases, and hormones between blood and body cells. They also connect arterioles and venules.

What is a hormone cascade?

A hormone cascade, in relation to the endocrine system would be: 1. Electric currents sent from the different parts of the body arrive at the brain 2. The electric currents from the CNS are processed in the hypothalamus 3. Which are transcribed into endocrine hormones by the pituitary gland. 4. The hormones produced by the pituitary gland are sent to the target tissue.

What is ADH?

ADH stands for Antidiuretic hormone and is released by the posterior pituitary gland. Two main functions in the body are to retain water in the body and constrict blood vessels.

What are distinct features of the anterior pituitary gland?

The Anterior pituitary gland does not have any neurons like that of the posterior pituitary gland. It is controlled by inhibiting and releasing hormones. Essentially the hypothalamus tells the anterior pituitary gland "Hey, send this hormone but not this hormone".

Define: Neuron

A neuron is the main functional unit of the CNS. It can send and receive electrical currents called nerve impulses.

What are the three glands located in the head?

Pituitary, hypothalamus, and pineal gland.

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin, as referred to as the "bonding hormone", is an important hormone in sexual reproduction, maternal behaviors, and lactation.

How is the pituitary gland divided?

The pituitary gland is divided into two sections: The posterior and Anterior pituitary glands.

What is the main function of the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus serves as a bridge between the nervous system and hormonal system. The hypothalamus secretes hormones that affect the pituitary gland. It receives signals from the central nervous system. Essentially the hypothalamus turns CNS signals into hormones secreted by the pituitary gland.

What is the main function of the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland produces hormones that affect other glands and specific organs of the body.

What are distinct features of the posterior pituitary gland? ****

The posterior pituitary gland have neurons which stem from the hypothalamus down into the posterior pituitary gland and are responsible for converting the CNS electrical currents into endocrine system related functions

What two main hormones are produced by the posterior pituitary gland?

The two main hormones produced by the posterior pituitary gland are oxytocin and ADH.