Pituitary Glands

The Pituitary Gland
TO VIEW THIS PRESENTATION FULL SCREEN, CLICK RIGHT HAND BUTTON ON MOUSE AND SELECT FULL SCREEN OPTION
To navigate between pages: use Page Up/Page Down keys, or click mouse on navigation controls
MENU
This tutorial is designed as a single presentation, but if you wish to review a particular section, click one of the links below... Location & anatomy of the pituitary and hypothalamus Posterior pituitary hormones Anterior pituitary hormones Control of the anterior pituitary
Clinical significance
Location of the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland controls the functions of many of the other endocrine glands.
It is about the size of a pea !.
Click on the pituitary gland to continue..
Location of the Pituitary Gland
This is the pituitary gland!
Lets now look at the anatomy of the pituitary gland and its relationship to the hypothalamus and surrounding tissues
Location of the pituitary and hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is located at the base of the brain in the posterior part of the forebrain (diencephalon).
Optic chiasm Anterior pituitary
Hypothalamus
Mamillary body
Pituitary stalk
The pituitary is located at the base of the brain within a bony cavity called the sella turcica.
Posterior pituitary
Sella turcica
Location of the pituitary and hypothalamus
Hypothalamus
Mamillary body
Pituitary stalk
The pituitary gland itself consists of two main parts: the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis)
Optic chiasm Anterior pituitary
Posterior pituitary
the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis)
Sella turcica
Anatomy of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland

The hypothalamus is the integration centre for many physiological processes in the body
Hypothalamus
Infundibulum
Neurosecretory neurones
Anterior pituitary
Posterior pituitary

The hypothalamus is the integration centre for many physiological processes in the body. It is made up of nervous tissue and contains specialised neurones arranged in groups called nuclei. These include the preoptic, the supraoptic and the paraventricular nuclei.
Paraventricular nucleus
Supraoptic nucleus Preoptic nucleus
Hypothalamus
Infundibulum
Anterior pituitary
Posterior pituitary

The hypothalamus is the integration centre for many physiological processes in the body. It is made up of nervous tissue and contains groups of specialised neurones called nuclei. These include the preoptic, the supraoptic and the paraventricular nuclei. These nuclei have axons, which terminate in the posterior lobe of the pituitary.
Hypothalamus
Infundibulum
nerve axons
Anterior pituitary
Posterior pituitary

The anterior lobe is larger than the posterior lobe and has three parts: the pars tuberalis, which forms a sleeve round the pituitary stalk the pars distalis (the major part) the pars intermedia, which adjoins the posterior lobe
Hypothalamus
Infundibulum
Anterior pituitary
Posterior pituitary
To understand and remember how the pituitary gland works, it is important to understand how the pituitary is formed during development.
Development of the pituitary gland
The two lobes of the pituitary develop from different embryological tissues.
Anterior lobe Posterior lobe
The POSTERIOR pituitary is neural tissue derived from primitive ectoderm. It develops as a downgrowth from the hypothalamus. The ANTERIOR pituitary consists of epithelial tissue and develops upwards as an outgrowth from the roof of the mouth.
Development of the pituitary gland

1. Outgrowths of tissue begin to appear from the hypothalamus and the roof of the mouth Infundibulum growing down from the hypothalamus Outgrowth of epithelial cells growing up from the roof of the mouth 3. The immature anterior pituitary lobe separates from the roof of the mouth
Immature anterior pituitary gland roof of mouth
4. The anterior and posterior pituitary lobes mature and the bony sella turcica forms 2. The two outgrowths of tissue start to fuse together
anterior lobe sella turcica
posterior lobe
Connections between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland
In this photograph you can see the lower part of the hypothalamus connected to the pituitary gland by the pituitary stalk or infundibulum.
Hypothalamus
Pituitary stalk
Pituitary
In this photograph you can see the lower part of the hypothalamus connected to the anterior pituitary by the pituitary stalk or infundibulum.
A network of blood capillaries in the hypothalamus drain into larger portal blood vessels, which link the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary.
Portal blood vessels
In this photograph you can see the lower part of the hypothalamus connected to the anterior pituitary by the pituitary stalk or infundibulum.
neurones
A network of blood capillaries in the hypothalamus drain into larger portal blood vessels, which link the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary.
Portal blood vessels
Some of the neurones in the hypothalamus terminate close to the blood capillaries in the hypothalamus, but there is NO direct neural connection between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland.
You have now seen: 1. The anatomical structure of the pituitary gland 2. Its spatial and anatomical relationship with the hypothalamus
3. How each pituitary lobe develops embryologically
Lets now look at the posterior pituitary gland in more detail.
Posterior Pituitary Hormones
Control of the posterior pituitary gland

Hypothalamus
The posterior pituitary secretes 2 important hormones : Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), also called vasopressin
Infundibulum
Axons of hypothalamichypophyseal tract
Oxytocin
Posterior pituitary
ADH
Anterior Anterior pituitary pituitary
kidney
pituitary vein
Oxytocin
breast and uterus

Supraoptic nucleus Paraventricular Hypothalamus nucleus
Both hormones are peptides, which are synthesised in the cell bodies of neurones in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus.
Infundibulum
ADH
pituitary vein
Oxytocin

The hormones travel from the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary via axons in the pituitary stalk. This neuronal connection is called the hypothalamichypophyseal tract.
Infundibulum
ADH
pituitary vein
Oxytocin

Infundibulum
The hormones are stored in the axon terminals in the posterior pituitary and can be secreted into the bloodstream when nerve impulses travel down the neurones
ADH
pituitary vein
Oxytocin
What are the actions of the posterior pituitary hormones?
Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) (vasopressin)

ADH secretion is stimulated by low blood pressure ADH increases water reabsorption in the kidney and so modulates blood pressure A deficiency in ADH causes diabetes insipidus (polyuria, hypotension)
External stimulus e.g. low blood pressure
Posterior pituitary
ADH
Oxytocin
Oxytocin secretion is stimulated by stretching of the cervix during birth and suckling of the baby at the breast Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions during labour and the milk ejection reflex after birth
External stimulus e.g. stretching of cervix or suckling
Posterior pituitary
A deficiency of oxytocin causes a failure to progress in labour and difficulty with breast feeding
Oxytocin
Now lets look at the anterior pituitary gland:
1. The cellular structure of the anterior pituitary gland.
2. What hormones does it secrete?
3. What are the effects of these hormones?
Anterior Pituitary Hormones
Cellular structure of the anterior pituitary gland

The anterior pituitary is composed of groups of epithelial cells surrounded by wide capillaries called GH sinusoids. Different populations of cells produce different hormones.
For example:
GH
sinusoid
GH
ANTERIOR PITUITARY
Somatotrophs produce growth hormone (GH)
GH
The anterior pituitary is composed of groups of epithelial cells surrounded by wide capillaries called sinusoids. Different populations of cells produce different hormones. PRL
PRL
PRL
sinusoid
ANTERIOR PITUITARY PRL
Lactotrophs produce prolactin (PRL)
The anterior pituitary is composed of groups of epithelial cells surrounded by wide capillaries called TSH sinusoids. Different populations of cells produce different hormones.
TSH
ANTERIOR PITUITARY
sinusoid
TSH
TSH Thyrotrophs produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
The anterior pituitary is composed of groups of epithelial cells surrounded by wide capillaries called sinusoids. Different populations of cells produce different hormones.
MSH ACTH
MSH
sinusoid
ANTERIOR PITUITARY ACTH ACTH
MSH Corticotrophs produce both adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)
The anterior pituitary is composed of groups of epithelial cells surrounded by wide capillaries called sinusoids. LH Different populations of cells produce different hormones. FSH
FSH
sinusoid
LH FSH
ANTERIOR PITUITARY
Gonadotrophs produce luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
The following screens give a brief summary of what the anterior pituitary hormones do. Each hormone may be dealt with in more detail in other presentations.
Anterior pituitary hormones - Growth Hormone
1. Growth Hormone (GH) regulates growth in the muscles and bones and opposes the action of insulin
Somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete GH
GH
Somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete GH Many body cells (chondrocytes, fat cells, muscle, but mainly the liver) respond to GH by secreting insulin-like growth factor (IGF)
IGF
GH
Somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete GH Many body cells (chondrocytes, fat cells, muscle, but mainly the liver) respond to GH by secreting insulin-like growth factor (IGF)
IGF
GH
Therefore, GH acts indirectly via IGF to regulate body growth Growth and cellular differentiation in bone, muscle and adipose cells
Anterior pituitary hormones - LH and FSH

2. Luteinising Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) control both the ovaries and testes
Gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete LH and FSH
LH FSH
LH In the female, LH and FSH stimulate the ovary. FSH
inhibin
ovary
oestrogen
progesterone
LH In the female, LH and FSH stimulate the ovary. FSH
inhibin The ovarian steroid hormones (oestradiol and progesterone) have effects on many other parts of the body (bone, brain, vascular tissue etc.), secondary sexual characteristics and behaviour.
ovary
oestrogen
progesterone
Effects on bone, brain, vascular tissue etc., behaviour
Gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete LH and FSH LH In the male, LH and FSH stimulate the Leydig cells and the Sertoli cells in the testis, respectively, to secrete testosterone and inhibin
testosterone
FSH
inhibin
testis
Gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete LH and FSH LH In the male, LH and FSH stimulate the Leydig cells and the Sertoli cells in the testis, respectively, to secrete testosterone and inhibin
testosterone
FSH
inhibin
testis
Spermatogenesis, secondary sexual characteristics and behaviour
Anterior pituitary hormones - Prolactin

3. Prolactin (PRL) initiates lactation and promotes the growth of the mammary glands, ovaries and testes
Lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete PRL
PRL
PRL
Prolactin acts directly on the breast to stimulate milk production.
Milk production breast
PRL
Prolactin acts directly on the breast to stimulate milk production.
Milk production breast
Growth of mammary glands, ovaries and testes
Anterior pituitary hormones - Thyroid-stimulating hormone

4. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) regulates the thyroid gland
Thyrotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete TSH TSH

Thyrotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete TSH TSH TSH acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate the release of thyroid hormones (Thyroxine, T4, Tri-iodothyronine, T3.
parathyroids
thyroid
Thyroid hormones
Anterior pituitary hormones - Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Thyrotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete TSH TSH

Thyrotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete TSH TSH TSH acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate the release of thyroid hormones (Thyroxine, T4, Tri-iodothyronine, T3, and Calcitonin) as well as changes to the thyroid gland
parathyroids
thyroid
Thyroid hormones

Thyrotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete TSH TSH TSH acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate the release of thyroid hormones (Thyroxine, T4, Tri-iodothyronine, T3.
parathyroids
thyroid
The thyroid hormones play an important role in controlling control carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and basal metabolic rate.
Thyroid hormones Metabolism, heat production, growth.
Anterior pituitary hormones - Adrenocorticotrophic hormone

5. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) controls hormone secretion from the adrenal cortex
Corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete ACTH
ACTH
ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex to stimulate the release of glucocorticoids (mainly cortisol) and adrenal androgens (mainly androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) ACTH
adrenal cortex
Adrenal cortex hormones
ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex to stimulate the release of glucocorticoids (mainly cortisol) and adrenal androgens (mainly androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA))
Cortisol controls the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, inflammatory and immune responses, and responses to stress
ACTH
adrenal cortex
Adrenal cortex hormones
Metabolism, immune system, stress responses, testosterone and oestrogen
Anterior pituitary hormones - Melanocyte-stimulating hormone

6. Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) stimulates melanocytes in the skin
Corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland also secrete MSH MSH

Corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete MSH MSH MSH acts on melanocytes in the epidermis of the skin to stimulate the secretion of melanin
melanocytes in the skin
Melanin

Corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete MSH MSH MSH acts on melanocytes in the epidermis of the skin to stimulate the secretion of melanin
melanocytes in the skin
Melanin controls pigmentation in the skin
Melanin
Skin pigmentation
Summary of hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland

So the anterior pituitary secretes at least 7 important hormones:
Growth Hormone (GH) regulates growth in muscles and bones and opposes the action of insulin Prolactin initiates lactation and promotes the growth of the mammary glands, ovaries and testes Luteinising Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) regulates the thyroid gland Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH) controls hormone secretion from the adrenal cortex Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) stimulates melanocytes in the skin
control both the ovaries and the testes
Essentials in Biomedical Science

Control of the Anterior Pituitary
Kings College London Date last modified: 26/09/2001 Stuart Milligan Victoria Pocock
But what controls the differential secretion of the anterior pituitary gland hormones?
The following screens will show:
1. How the hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary gland
2. The importance of negative feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
Hypothalamic control of the anterior pituitary hormones

We have already seen that many neurones terminate in the base of the hypothalamus in close association with the portal blood vessels.
Hypothalamus
These hypothalamic neurones release neurosecretory hormones into the portal blood vessels
portal blood vessels
hypothalamic neurones
NEUROSECRETORY HORMONES
The hypothalamic hormones control the release of anterior pituitary hormones
Anterior pituitary
Hypothalamic control of the anterior pituitary hormones
Let us look at how the hypothalamic hormones control the release of anterior pituitary hormones using thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) as an example..
In the cold, specific neurones in the hypothalamus secrete the neurosecretory hormone Thyrotrophin Releasing Hormone (TRH)
Only certain neurones in the hypothalamus can secrete TRH. Other hypothalamic neurones secrete different neurosecretory hormones under different conditions.
+
Low temperature Hypothalamus hypothalamic neurones
TRH
Anterior pituitary
+
Low temperature Hypothalamus hypothalamic neurones
Increased body temperature
TRH
TSH
thyrotrophs
Anterior pituitary
Thyroid hormones Thyroid
TRH stimulates the thyrotrophs in the anterior pituitary to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
TSH then stimulates the thyroid to release thyroid hormones, which subsequently cause an increase in body temperature
Hypothalamic hormones that control the anterior pituitary

The hypothalamus secretes several hormones that control the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones:
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Somatostatin
GH

Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH)
ACTH


Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
LH FSH


Thyrotrophin Releasing Hormone (TRH)
TSH


Thyrotrophin Releasing Hormone (TRH)

Dopamine
Prolactin Releasing Factors (PRF),
PRL
one of which is TRH
The hypothalamic hormones are the primary hormones controlling the secretion of the anterior pituitary hormones. However, many other factors feed into the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.. Lets look at some of these ..
Specific stimuli
We have already seen that specific stimuli (e.g. cold in the case of TSH) feed into the hypothalamic control system
Hypothalamus
Pituitary
Circadian changes Specific stimuli
In addition, many hormones show daily rhythms.
Hypothalamus
Pituitary
GH levels
Note that GH is released in pulses during the hours of sleep.
SLEEP 24 hrs
Circadian changes Specific stimuli

The secretion of GnRH seems to be governed by a hypothalamic pulse generator.
Pulse generator Pulses of GnRH
LH levels
Pituitary
24 hour profile of LH levels in a young adult.

Note the pulses of LH marked by arrows.
24 hrs
Circadian changes Specific stimuli Pulses?
Hypothalamus
And a very important control for most the the anterior pituitary hormones is feedback control .
Pituitary
Feedback from peripheral signals (usually negative feedback) e.g. thyroid hormones, gonadal steroids
Lets use TSH as an example for looking at feedback control.
Negative feedback controls of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Low temperature
+
Specific external signals, e.g. low temperature, stimulate the secretion of TRH by the hypothalamus.
Hypothalamus
TRH
TSH
Anterior pituitary
thyrotrophs
TRH stimulates the secretion of TSH by the anterior pituitary.
Low temperature
TSH stimulates the thyroid to release the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.
+
Hypothalamus hypothalamic neurones
TRH
TSH
T4 T3 Thyroid
Anterior pituitary
thyrotrophs
The thyroid hormones feedback onto the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary to suppress further TSH production. This is a negative feedback effect.
Hypothalamus
TRH
TSH
Anterior pituitary
Thyroid
thyrotrophs
T4 T3
So high levels of thyroid hormones suppress TRH and TSH secretion.
Hypothalamus
hypothalamic neurones (TRH)
(TSH)
T4 T3 Thyroid
Anterior pituitary
thyrotrophs
However, when there are low levels of thyroid hormones, TRH and TSH secretion will be high.
Hypothalamus
TRH
TSH
Anterior pituitary
Thyroid
thyrotrophs
T4 T3
Essentials in Biomedical Science

Clinical significance
Kings College London Date last modified: 26/09/2001 Stuart Milligan Victoria Pocock
Because the control of the hypothalamicpituitary axis involves a number of steps, problems of under-secretion or oversecretion of hormones can arise from different physiological defects in the control pathway. Using growth hormone (GH) as an example, we will now look now how problems might arise. But first a reminder of the controls of GH...
Control of Growth Hormone
Hypothalamus
GHRH stimulates secretion of GH by the anterior pituitary
hypothalamic neurones Somatostatin

Whereas somatostatin inhibits GH secretion
GHRH
+
somatotrophs
Anterior pituitary
GH
IGFs stimulate growth in bones, muscles and fat
IGF
GH stimulates secretion of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) by the liver.
Liver
Control of GH secretion
But other factors such as sleep, exercise, stress, food intake and blood sugar levels also influence the release of these hormones
Blood glucose
Exercise
Stress
Sleep
Hypothalamus
Food
GHRH
Somatostatin
Pituitary
GH IGF-1
Liver
Given the understanding of the normal control of GH, well now look at how it can go wrong..
Hypersecretion of GH
Hypothalamus
In a few people, the pituitary continues to secrete GH independently of the normal regulatory mechanisms. The levels of GH increase above normal, leading to excess bone growth and organ enlargement.
GHRH
Somatostatin
Pituitary GH
Excess bone growth Organ enlargement

The hypersecretion of GH also causes changes in sugar and lipid metabolism and can cause diabetes.
IGF-1
Liver
Diabetes
Understanding how the system works also gives us an insight into where the control mechanisms can break down Lets look at a growth disorders such as short stature as an example.
What could cause short stature?

Problems can occur in the hypothalamus e.g. defects in GHRH production
Hypothalamus
GHRH
So there is a Problems can occur in the pituitary e.g. defects in complex, or bioactivity GH secretion hierarchical control system and problems Problems can occur in the ability of cellscan occur at any to produce IGF. of the levels
Problems can occur in the target organs e.g. defects in growth response
Somatostatin
Pituitary
GH
Liver
IGF-1
Lets now look at how the function of hypothalamic-pituitary axis be tested...
These tests are often called Challenge tests because they are designed to challenge the normal operation of the system..
Challenge Tests
1. Hypothalamic releasing factors, e.g. TRH and GnRH, are useful to identify specific functional cell types in the anterior pituitary (thyrotrophs and gonadotrophs), but this test cannot be used for diagnosis of hypopituitarism or hyperpituitarism.
Note the rapid FSH response when GnRH is given to normal subjects
And the same dose of GnRH results in similar rapid rises in LH
FSH mU/L 8 6 4
LH U/L GnRH 200 g IV 20 GnRH 200 g IV
10 2
-15
0 20 60 Time (minutes)
90
-15
0 20 60 Time (minutes)
90
Challenge Tests
2. Synthetic drugs can be given to investigate whether the negative feedback control of the anterior pituitary is working properly ( e.g. dexamethasone (suppresses ACTH) and metyrapone (blocks cortisol secretion))
Normal negative feedback control of ACTH by cortisol secreted by the adrenal cortex Dexamethasone suppresses ACTH secretion by the anterior pituitary Metyrapone blocks cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex
DEX
ACTH
Cortisol Cortisol
ACTH Cortisol
ACTH
Metyrapone
Plasma ACTH = 10 pmol/L Plasma ACTH = 2 pmol/L Plasma ACTH = 37 pmol/L+
Note the reduced level of ACTH due to suppression by dexamethasone
Note the increased level of ACTH due to blockage of cortisol secretion and therefore removal of negative feedback control
Challenge Tests
3. The use of a physiological stimulus, e.g. insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, (insulin tolerance test) can be used to help define defects in the system
For example, in normal patients, insulin-induced hypoglycaemia activates hypothalamic neurones to stimulate pituitary secretion of corticotrophin, GH and prolactin.
5
Plasma Glucose 3 (mmol/L) 1
Normal Insulin 0.15 U/kg
Hypopituitary Insulin 0.15 U/kg
800
Plasma 600 Cortisol (nmol/L) 400
But, in subjects with hypopituitarism, plasma cortisol and and serum GH levels are far below normal levels.
200 20 Serum GH 10 (g/L) <1
range of normal response
30
60
90
120
30
60
90
120
Time (minutes)
Time (minutes)
Understanding the normal control of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis allows the system to be manipulated to achieve different aims
Lets use the control of reproduction by GnRH, LH, FSH and ovarian hormones as an example..
Control of reproduction
Hypothalamus
The basic operation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system is shown opposite. GnRH drives FSH production from the pituitary, and FSH stimulates follicle growth. Oestradiol produced by the follicle provides negative feedback.
+
Pituitary
GnRH
Oestradiol
LH FSH
Ovary
Understanding this system allowed forms of contraception to be developed ..
Control of reproduction
Hypothalamus
The negative feedback control of oestrogens was the original basis of the oral contraceptive pill
Oral oestrogens
GnRH
Pituitary LH FSH
High doses of oestrogens act on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to suppress LH and FSH secretion and so suppress follicle growth and prevent ovulation
Oestradiol
Ovary
But we can also use our understanding to stimulate reproduction
Stimulation of ovarian function

Hypothalamus
In some treatments for infertility, it is necessary to stimulate the ovaries
GnRH Pituitary (pulses) Oestradiol LH FSH

One method is give pulses of GnRH: these will stimulate the pituitary to secrete more LH and FSH.
Ovary
Growth of more follicles
Stimulation of follicular growth

Hypothalamus
GnRH
Pituitary FSH Oestradiol
Or: an alternative is to give FSH to stimulate the ovary directly
Ovary
Stimulation of follicular growth

Hypothalamus
Or another way is to give an antioestrogen (e.g. clomiphene). The anti-oestrogen blocks the negative feedback of oestradiol, so gonadotrophin levels rise!
GnRH
Pituitary LH FSH
Clomiphene Oestradiol
Therefore, clomiphene is often used as a fertility treatment for women to increase the number of follicles growing and ovulating
Ovary

Pituitary Glands

Transféré par

Informations du document

Description originale:

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Pituitary Glands

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

The Pituitary Gland

Location of the Pituitary Gland

It is about the size of a pea !.

Click on the pituitary gland to continue..

Location of the Pituitary Gland

This is the pituitary gland!

Location of the pituitary and hypothalamus

Location of the pituitary and hypothalamus

Optic chiasm Anterior pituitary

the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis)

Anatomy of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland

Anatomy of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland

Supraoptic nucleus Preoptic nucleus

Anatomy of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland

Supraoptic nucleus Preoptic nucleus

Anatomy of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland

Supraoptic nucleus Preoptic nucleus

Development of the pituitary gland

Development of the pituitary gland

Immature anterior pituitary gland roof of mouth

anterior lobe sella turcica

Connections between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland

Connections between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland

Portal blood vessels

Connections between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland

Portal blood vessels

3. How each pituitary lobe develops embryologically

Lets now look at the posterior pituitary gland in more detail.

Posterior Pituitary Hormones

Control of the posterior pituitary gland

Axons of hypothalamichypophyseal tract

breast and uterus

Control of the posterior pituitary gland

Axons of hypothalamichypophyseal tract

Control of the posterior pituitary gland

Axons of hypothalamichypophyseal tract

Control of the posterior pituitary gland

Axons of hypothalamichypophyseal tract

What are the actions of the posterior pituitary hormones?

Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) (vasopressin)

External stimulus e.g. low blood pressure

External stimulus e.g. stretching of cervix or suckling

Now lets look at the anterior pituitary gland:

1. The cellular structure of the anterior pituitary gland.

2. What hormones does it secrete?

3. What are the effects of these hormones?

Anterior Pituitary Hormones

Cellular structure of the anterior pituitary gland

Somatotrophs produce growth hormone (GH)

ANTERIOR PITUITARY PRL

Lactotrophs produce prolactin (PRL)

TSH Thyrotrophs produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

ANTERIOR PITUITARY ACTH ACTH

Gonadotrophs produce luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Anterior pituitary hormones - Growth Hormone

Anterior pituitary hormones - LH and FSH

Effects on bone, brain, vascular tissue etc., behaviour

Spermatogenesis, secondary sexual characteristics and behaviour

Anterior pituitary hormones - Prolactin

Lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete PRL

Lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland secrete PRL

Prolactin acts directly on the breast to stimulate milk production.

Milk production breast