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

Hormone Review Table

Anatomy & Physiology

16. The Endocrine System

Hormone Review Table

Previous problemNext problem

1:37 minutes

Problem 16

Textbook Question

The anterior pituitary is often referred to as the master endocrine gland, but it too has a 'master.' What controls the release of hormones by the anterior pituitary?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the anterior pituitary, also known as the adenohypophysis, is responsible for releasing several key hormones that regulate various physiological processes, such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Recognize that the anterior pituitary does not function independently; its activity is regulated by the hypothalamus, a region of the brain located just above the pituitary gland.

Learn that the hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary through the secretion of releasing and inhibiting hormones. These hormones are transported to the anterior pituitary via the hypophyseal portal system, a specialized network of blood vessels.

Identify examples of hypothalamic hormones, such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Conclude that the hypothalamus acts as the 'master' of the anterior pituitary by integrating signals from the nervous system and other parts of the body to regulate the release of anterior pituitary hormones in response to the body's needs.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating the endocrine system. It produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that directly control the secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary. By responding to various physiological signals, the hypothalamus ensures that the anterior pituitary releases hormones in a balanced manner, maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Anterior Pituitary Hormones

The anterior pituitary, also known as the adenohypophysis, produces several key hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). These hormones are vital for various bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, and stress response. Understanding the specific hormones released by the anterior pituitary helps clarify its role in the endocrine system and its interactions with other glands.

Feedback Mechanisms

Feedback mechanisms are processes that regulate hormone levels in the body, primarily through negative feedback loops. In the context of the anterior pituitary, hormones released by target glands (like the adrenal glands or thyroid) can inhibit the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary to prevent overproduction of hormones. This self-regulating system is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and responding to the body's changing needs.

Watch next

Master Review of Major Hormones with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which of the following is given as a drug to reduce inflammation?

a. Epinephrine

b. Cortisol

c. Aldosterone

d. ADH

331

views

Textbook Question

Two hormones are closely involved in the regulation of the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body. Name them, and explain their effects on their common target organ.

326

views

Textbook Question

Melissa, age 40, comes to the clinic, troubled by swelling in her face and unusual fat deposition on her back and abdomen. She reports that she bruises easily. Blood tests show an elevated glucose level. What is your diagnosis, and which glands might be causing the problem?

360

views

Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply. Which of the following hormones is (are) secreted by neurons?

a. Oxytocin

b. Insulin

c. ADH

d. Cortisol

318

views

Textbook Question

The parents of 14-year-old Megan are concerned about her height because she is only 4 feet tall and they are both close to 6 feet tall. After tests by their doctor, certain hormones are prescribed for the girl. What is the probable diagnosis? What hormones are prescribed, and why might the girl expect to reach normal height?

413

views

Textbook Question

The major stimulus for the release of parathyroid hormone is:

a. Hormonal

b. Humoral

c. Neural

936

views

Textbook Question

Which two hormones are released by the kidneys, and what is the importance of each hormone?

524