Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

43. Endocrine System

Endocrine System

General Biology

43. Endocrine System

Endocrine System

Previous problemNext problem

0:30 minutes

Problem 7

Textbook Question

Compare and contrast the structure and function of the anterior and posterior pituitary glands.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the location and structure of each gland: The anterior pituitary, also known as the adenohypophysis, is located at the front part of the pituitary gland and is glandular in nature. The posterior pituitary, also known as the neurohypophysis, is located at the back part of the pituitary gland and is an extension of the hypothalamus, consisting mainly of nerve fibers and neuroglial cells.

Discuss the origin of each gland: The anterior pituitary originates from an invagination of the oral ectoderm called Rathke's pouch, while the posterior pituitary is an extension of the hypothalamic neurons.

Explain the hormone production: The anterior pituitary produces and secretes its own hormones, including growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The posterior pituitary does not produce hormones but stores and secretes hormones produced by the hypothalamus, namely oxytocin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH).

Describe the regulation mechanism: The anterior pituitary's hormone secretion is regulated by releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus, transported through the hypophyseal portal system. The posterior pituitary's hormone release is controlled by nerve impulses from the hypothalamus.

Summarize the functional differences: The anterior pituitary primarily regulates various physiological processes including growth, metabolism, and reproductive functions through its hormones. The posterior pituitary mainly plays a role in water balance and uterine contractions during childbirth through its stored hormones.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

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

Video duration:

30s

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Pituitary Gland Structure

The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' is divided into two main parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary is composed of glandular tissue that produces and secretes hormones, while the posterior pituitary is made of neural tissue and stores hormones produced by the hypothalamus. This structural distinction is crucial for understanding their different functions.

Hormonal Functions

The anterior pituitary produces several key hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone, which regulate various bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and stress response. In contrast, the posterior pituitary primarily releases oxytocin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), which are involved in childbirth, lactation, and water balance. Understanding these hormonal functions is essential for comparing the roles of the two gland regions.

Regulatory Mechanisms

The anterior pituitary is regulated by releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus, which control its hormone secretion. The posterior pituitary, however, does not produce hormones but releases them into the bloodstream in response to neural signals from the hypothalamus. This difference in regulatory mechanisms highlights the distinct ways in which the two parts of the pituitary gland operate within the endocrine system.

Watch next

Master Chemical Signaling with a bite sized video explanation from Jason

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

In a glucose tolerance test, periodic measurements of blood glucose level are taken after a person drinks a glucose-rich solution. Using the hypothetical graph below, compare and contrast the results of the test for the diabetic and the healthy individual.

1532

views

Textbook Question

Why is the observation that one hormone may bind to more than one type of receptor important?

780

views

Textbook Question

The relationship between the insect hormones ecdysteroid and PTTH is an example of

a. An interaction of the endocrine and nervous systems.

b. Homeostasis achieved by positive feedback.

c. Homeostasis maintained by antagonistic hormones.

d. Competitive inhibition of a hormone receptor.

934

views

Textbook Question

If a person has a pituitary tumor that is oversecreting TSH, would this person be likely to have goiter as a symptom? Explain.

747

views

Textbook Question

In mammals, milk production by mammary glands is controlled by prolactin and prolactin-releasing hormone. Draw a simple sketch of this pathway, including glands, tissues, hormones, routes for hormone movement, and effects.

2287

views

Textbook Question

Which two of the hormones listed below act upon the body with similar functions? Explain.

a. Glucagon

b. Oxytocin

c. Glucocorticoids

d. ADH

1199

views

Textbook Question

Design a study to test the hypothesis that the symptoms of jet lag are caused by disruption of normal daily cortisol rhythms.

565

views

Textbook Question

A strain of mice remains healthy as long as they are fed regularly. After they eat, their blood glucose level rises slightly and then declines to a homeostatic level. However, when these mice fast or exercise, their blood glucose drops dangerously. Which hypothesis best explains their problem? (Explain your choice.)

a. The mice have insulin-dependent diabetes.

b. The mice lack insulin receptors on their cells.

c. The mice lack glucagon receptors on their cells.

d. The mice cannot synthesize glycogen from glucose.

863

views

Show more practices

Download the Mobile app

Privacy

Do not sell my personal information

Accessibility

Patent notice

Sitemap