Textbook Question
The posterior pituitary is not really an endocrine gland. Why not? What is it?
936
views
Ch. 16 The Endocrine System
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation24
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive25
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units21
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric20
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System11
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton14
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue19
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System26
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity32
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System19
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses26
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System23
- Ch. 17 Blood25
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart24
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues14
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses27
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System21
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System31
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System26
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System24
- Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development25
- Ch. 29 Heredity11
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 16, Problem 16
The anterior pituitary is often referred to as the master endocrine organ, but it, too, has a 'master.' What controls the release of anterior pituitary hormones?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the anterior pituitary gland secretes several important hormones that regulate various physiological processes.
Recognize that the anterior pituitary itself is regulated by signals from another part of the brain, which acts as its 'master.'
Identify the hypothalamus as the brain region that controls the release of anterior pituitary hormones by producing releasing and inhibiting hormones.
Learn that the hypothalamus sends these regulatory hormones through the hypophyseal portal system, a specialized blood vessel network connecting it to the anterior pituitary.
Conclude that the hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary by releasing specific hormones that either stimulate or inhibit the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hypothalamic Control of the Anterior Pituitary
The hypothalamus regulates the anterior pituitary by releasing specific releasing and inhibiting hormones into the hypophyseal portal system. These hypothalamic hormones stimulate or suppress the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones, thus acting as the 'master' controller.
Recommended video:
Guided course
10:02
Anterior Pituitary
Hypophyseal Portal System
This specialized blood vessel network connects the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary, allowing hypothalamic hormones to directly reach and influence anterior pituitary cells. It ensures rapid and efficient hormonal communication between these two brain regions.
Recommended video:
4:25Complement System
Feedback Mechanisms in Endocrine Regulation
Hormones released by target endocrine glands provide feedback to both the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary to regulate hormone levels. Negative feedback loops maintain hormonal balance by inhibiting further hormone release when sufficient levels are reached.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:00Feedback Loops: Negative Feedback Example 1
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Roger Proulx has severe arthritis and has been taking prednisone (a glucocorticoid) for two months. He isn't feeling well, complains of repeated 'colds,' and is extremely 'puffy' (edematous). Explain the reason for these symptoms.
858
views
Textbook Question
Describe the body location of each of the following endocrine organs: anterior pituitary, pineal gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands.
List the hormones produced by each organ.
859
views
Textbook Question
Which type of hormone receptor—plasma membrane bound or intracellular—would be expected to provide the most long-lived response to hormone binding and why?
1568
views
Textbook Question
Define hormone.
1539
views
2
rank
Textbook Question
Absence of thyroid hormone would result in:
a. Increased heart rate and increased force of heart contraction
b. Depression of the CNS and lethargy
c. Exophthalmos
d. High metabolic rate
903
views