Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

16. The Endocrine System

The Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

Anatomy & Physiology

16. The Endocrine System

The Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

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Multiple Choice

How does the hypothalamus control the secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary?

By releasing growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin

By increasing the blood flow to the anterior pituitary

By directly stimulating the anterior pituitary with nerve impulses

By secreting growth hormone directly into the bloodstream

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system: The hypothalamus is a crucial brain region that links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. It regulates various physiological processes by releasing hormones that control the pituitary gland's activity.

Identify the hormones involved in growth hormone regulation: The hypothalamus releases two key hormones that regulate the secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary: growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (also known as growth hormone-inhibiting hormone, GHIH).

Explain the function of GHRH: Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete growth hormone (GH). When the hypothalamus detects a need for more GH, it releases GHRH into the hypophyseal portal system, which directly connects to the anterior pituitary.

Explain the function of somatostatin: Somatostatin inhibits the secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary. When the hypothalamus determines that GH levels are sufficient or too high, it releases somatostatin to reduce or halt GH secretion.

Clarify the incorrect options: The hypothalamus does not increase blood flow to the anterior pituitary as a means of controlling GH secretion, nor does it directly stimulate the anterior pituitary with nerve impulses or secrete GH directly into the bloodstream. Its control is primarily hormonal through GHRH and somatostatin.