what is a gland?
a group of cells that synthesise and secrete a substance for biological use
what are the 2 types of glands?
- exocrine
what are the differences between the 2 types of glands?
- exocrine-secrete substances through a duct often into a lumen
what are the endocrine roles of the hypothalamus?
what is the hypothalamus comprised of and how is it arranged?
- arranges into functional groups called nuclei
name some of the (anterior) hypothalamic nuclei
what is the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus responsible for?
oxytocin release
what is the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus responsible for?
vasopressin release (ADH)
what are the roles of the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus?
- reduce heart rate and blood pressure
what are the roles of the posterior and anterior preoptic area of the hypothalamus?
- thyrotropin inhibition
what is the pituitary gland known as?
master gland
where is the pituitary gland situated?
- sits in the sella turnica- part of the sphenoid bone
what type of gland its the pituitary gland?
endocrine
what are the key hormones of the anterior pituitary gland?
which system connect the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland?
The hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system-a system of blood vessels in the microcirculation at the base of the brain, connecting the hypothalamus with the anterior pituitary
what are the primary functions of the anterior pituitary gland?
-produces and secretes hormones in response to hypothalamic stimulating hormones
what is the role of prolactin?
- for milk production
what are the primary functions of the posterior pituitary gland?
-secretes and stores hormones secreted by the hypothalamus
what is the role of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)?
- T3&T4 production
what is the role of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)?
- production/ release of cortisol
what are the roles of gonadotropins (LH/ FSH) ?
what are the 2 key hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary gland?
- oxytocin
what are the roles of vasopressin?
- release regulated by osmotic pressure of blood
what are the roles of oxytocin?
-helps milk production and bonding after birth