Textbook Question
The posterior pituitary is not really an endocrine gland. Why not? What is it?
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Ch. 16 The Endocrine System
Marieb, Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation24
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive25
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units24
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric19
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System10
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue23
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System26
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity28
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System18
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System26
- Ch. 17 Blood27
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart22
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues16
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses29
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System20
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System30
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System25
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System23
Marieb, Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 15, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Related Practice
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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.
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Endemic goiter is not really the result of a malfunctioning thyroid gland. What does cause it?
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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.
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Define hormone.
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Name a hormone secreted by a muscle cell and two hormones secreted by neurons.
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