Question

Instructions: In a 300 word essay and using an APA format, explain the interplay between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and target tissue. Make sure to give specific examples. List all references used. (10 Points) Previous Next 10-59 P TUDE Insert Home F12 DeleteEnd F10 1 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 SysRq Pause F2 F3 F4 DCP Back

Answer 1

HYPOTHALAMUS:

Hypothalamus is the basal part of the diencephelon, forebrain which regulates a wide spectrum of body functions by stimulating and inhibiting pituitary hormone secretion. The hypothalamus is connected to the pituitary gland that resides at the bottom of the hypothalamus by a slender stalk called infundibulum. This hypothalamus contains neurosecretory cells called nuclei which produce hormones. These hormones regulate the synthesis and secretion of pituitary hormones. After secretion from pituitary glands these hormones are transported to the target tissues to perform its functions. The hormones that are produced by hypothalamus are as follows:

- The releasing hormone that stimulates the secretion of pituitary hormones which then transported to target tissues to perform its functions.

- The inhibiting hormones which inhibits the secretion of pituitary hormones.

PITUITARY GLAND:

The pituitary gland is consists of 2 major regions anterior pituitary gland and the posterior pituitaru gland. The anterior pituitary gland is known as adenohypophysis and posterior pituitary gland is known as neurohypophysis and these are attached to hypothalamus by infundibulum. The regulation of function of anterior pituitary is done by the carrying of hormones from the hypothalamus to this region by portal circulatory system and the posterior pituitary is under the direct neural regulation of hypothalamus.

The adenohypophysis consists of 2 portions pars distalis and pars intermedia. The pars distalis produces growth hormones, prolactin, Thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone(ACTH), leutinising hormone(LH) and follicle stimulating hormone(FSH). The pars intermedia only secretes melanocyte stimulating hormones(MSH). The following are the functions of respective hormones:

Growth hormone regulates the growth of body.

Prolactin regulates the growth of secretion of mammary gland and formation of milk.

TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to secretes thyroid hormone.

ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to secretes steroid hormone.

LH and FSH stimulates the gonadal activity. In male LH stimulates the secretion of androgen from testes and in female it induces ovulation of fully matuer follicle.

FSH regulates spermatogenesis in testes along with androgen in male. In female FSH stimulates growth and development of ovarion follicles.

MSH acts on melanocytes to perform the function of pigmentation of skin.

The neurohypophysis stores and releases two hormones called oxytocin and vasopressin. These hormones are synthesized by hypothalamus and transportes axonally to posterior pituitary where it is stored. The functions of theses hormones are as follows;

Oxytocin in females stimulaes the contraction of smooth muscle of uterus at the time of child birth and also in milk ejection from the mammary gland.

Vasopressin cts on kidney and stimulates the reabsorption of water and electrolytes by nephron to conserve water into the body and to prevent dehydration which helps in balance of water and electrolytes in the body. This hormone is also known as anti diuretic hormone or ADH.