Hormones and Sex - Neuroendocrine System - Control of the Anterior and Posterior Pituitary by the Hypothalamus

4 important questions on Hormones and Sex - Neuroendocrine System - Control of the Anterior and Posterior Pituitary by the Hypothalamus

What are the major hormones for the posterior pituitary and where are they synthesized?

1. Vasopressin and Oxytocin. These hormones are synthesized in the cell bodies of neurons in the paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nuclei.

How and to where are vasopressin and oxytocin transported from the paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nuclei?

They are transported along the axons of the neurons from which they are synthesized to their terminals in the posterior pituitary. Here they are stored until action potentials causes them to enter the bloodstream.

What are the functions of vasopressin and oxycotin, respectively?

1. Vasopressin facilitates the reabsorption of water by the kidneys. It also lowers the bloodpressure.

2. Oxytocin stimulates contractions of the uterus during labor and stimulates the ejection of milk during suckling.

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How does the hypothalamus seems to control the anterior pituitary? It has no neuronal network..

In 1955 it was suggested that hormones released from the hypothalamus regulated hormones in the anterior pituitary. Two findings suggested this;

1. The discovery of the hypothalamopituitary portal system; which seemed suited to carry hormones hormones from the hyopthalamus to the anterior pituitary.

2. The discovery of cutting the portal veins of the pituitary, which resulted in a disruption of the release of anterior pituitary hormones until the damaged veins regenerated.

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