PHSI2006 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Posterior Pituitary, Anterior Pituitary, Distal Convoluted Tubule

• School: University of Sydney
• Department: Physiology
• Course: PHSI2006
• Professor: phsi2006

Document Summary

Relation of hypothalamus to pituitary gland: the pituitary gland is immediately beneath the hypothalamus and they are connected in two ways. The infundibulum is the stalk that connects the pituitary to the brain. Neurons synthesizing trophic hormones release them into capillaries of the portal system (there are two capillary beds). The portal vessels then carry the trophic hormones to the anterior pituitary. Endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary release their hormones into the second set of capillaries for distribution to the rest of the body. Also, angiotensinogen! an enzyme converts it to 2 and then the adrenal cortex causes increase in aldosterone which increases sodium reabsorption and leads to increased volume: vasopressin binds to membrane receptor of the kidney tubule. The mechanoreceptors in nipple can sense the baby sucking and a positive feedback loop (somatotropin (growth hormone) and prolactin and are very similar in structures, has its own group and overlapping functions.