Answered: How does the hypothalamus regulate the…

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Related questions

Question

How does the hypothalamus regulate the secretion of
anterior pituitary hormones?

Expert Solution

Step 1

The hypothalamus is a small area seen in the brain. It is at the base of the brain, next to the hypophysis. Although it is quite tiny, the hypothalamus serves important functions in the release of hormones.

Step 2

Adenohypophysis is also known as the anterior pituitary, which is controlled by the hypothalamus. It produces a variety of hormones that are in various activities of the body. The anterior pituitary has cells in the form of a cluster that produces six different hormones, including adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACT), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone (GH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PL).
By the action of hypothalamic-releasing hormone-like somatostatin and dopamine in the anterior pituitary, the hypothalamus regulates the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones, reaching their target endocrine tissue through the pituitary stalk in the anterior pituitary.
The hypothalamic- hypophyseal portal vein plays a vital role in carrying hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones directly into the anterior pituitary gland. These hormones are specific to the target cells and bind in specific receptor cells in the anterior pituitary causing the release of hormones they generate.
Corticotrophs, thyrotrophs, somatotrophs, gonadotrophs, and lactotrophs produce an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACT), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone (GH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PL), respectively.