Neuroendocrine systems

9 important questions on Neuroendocrine systems

What are the three layers of the BBB?

  • Endothelial layer of the blood vessel
  • Basal lamina
  • Astrocyte

Where is the hypothalamus located?

Just above the optic chiasm and pituitary.

What are the two axes that are activated when there is stress?

SAM axis and HPA axis
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What is the SAM axis?

Sympathetic adrenal medullary axis. Adrenalina and NA is made as a quick response by the sympathetic nervous system through the adrenal medulla.

What is the HPA axis?

Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. This is a slower response than the SAM axis. It makes CRH, this releases ACTH and then you get glucocorticoids (cortisol).

Which two diseases are because of dysfunction of the HPA axis? Can you explain the difference?

Addison's disease and Cushing's disease.
Addison's disease is hypocortisolism: too low cortisol
Cushing's disease is hypercortisolism: too much cortisol

What is the difference between mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR)?

MR have a high affinity and are mainly present in the limbic system. GR have a low affinity and are present in many cell types.

Why are the mating behaviours of prairie voles and montane voles different?

The distribution of oxytocin & vasopressin are different. In the ventral pallidum partner preference is regulated.

There are some differences between the male and female brain but are these detectable in cognitive tests? Why or why not?

No these are not detectable in cognitive tests because other aspects of individuals play a more important role in cognition (e.g. culture).

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