BIOL 121 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Miosis, Baroreceptor, Anterior Pituitary
Document Summary
Hypothalamus produces several different hormone releasing-factors that activate the anterior pituitary gland to release hormones into circulation. Hormones secreted by the basomedial hypothalamus reach the anterior pituitary gland via a specialized component of circulatory system called the hypophyseal portal system. Hypothalamus is made up of specialized nuclei. Cell bodies have axons have neurons coming from pvn or son, they stretch to synapse with blood vessels. Oxytocin is released through stimulation of breast when infant sucks on nipple. Operates through positive feedback control, which is rare for the body. First time, will produce a few action potentials to release oxytocin that acts back on neuron, and next time it acts on it, acts on itself etc. Water loss and water intake are equated in body water homeostasis. Signals resulting from depletions of intracellular and extracellular fluid volume and integrated by the brain and command signals lead to drinking behaviour.
