Physiology

Pituitary Gland

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  • The anterior and posterior lobes have independent vascular systems
  • Connected to the hypothalamus via the infundibulum
  • Anterior:
    • FSH
    • LH
    • TSH
    • ACTH
    • GH: secretion controlled by growth-hormone-release inhibiting factor (somatostatin)
    • STH
    • Prolactin
    • Note: releases hormones into the portal hypophyseal circulation
    • Note: GH and ACTH release in pulsatile
  • Posterior: intimately connected to the hypothalamic nuclei which actually produce the hormones that then travel by axoplasmic flow to the posterior pituitary

    • ADH
    • Oxytocin 
    • Note: releases hormones directly into circulation

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