Hypothalamic-pituitary axis — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: Which anterior pituitary hormones are acidophilic on histological preparation?_____

Answer: GH, Prolactin

Flashcard 2: At high concentrations, cortisol can bind to _____ receptors

Answer: mineralocorticoid (aldosterone)

Flashcard 3: The synthesis of growth hormone is stimulated by _____, its hypothalamic-releasing hormone

Answer: growth-hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)

Flashcard 4: The hypothalamus is connected to the pituitary gland by both neural and endocrine pathways. Which lobe is connected by the **endocrine** (portal) pathway?

Answer: Anterior pituitary

Extra: The anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) is connected to the hypothalamus via the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system (vascular/endocrine). The posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) is connected via the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract (neural axons).

Flashcard 5: Which type of diabetes insipidus is characterized by a lack of response to the ADH secreted by the posterior pituitary?_____

Answer: Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Flashcard 6: Which type of diabetes insipidus is characterized by an inability of the posterior pituitary to secrete ADH?_____

Answer: central diabetes insipidus

Flashcard 7: Prolactin secretion is stimulated via _____ from the hypothalamus

Answer: thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

Flashcard 8: What is the effect of the FGF gene?

Answer: stimulates mitosis of underlying mesoderm, lengthening of limbs

Flashcard 9: What is the embryological origin of the adrenal medulla?

Answer: Neural crest cells

Extra: The adrenal medulla is essentially a modified sympathetic ganglion. While the medulla is derived from the neural crest (ectoderm), the adrenal cortex is derived from the mesoderm.

Flashcard 10: Identify the structure labeled '10' in the provided image of the spinal cord (Endocrine/Autonomic context).

Answer: Intermediate horn (Sympathetics) :: number 10 in the diagram