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Question
Long answer question
Explain the role of the hypothalamus and pituitary as a coordinated unit in maintaining homeostasis?
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Solution
i. The hypothalamus controls the secretory activity of the pituitary gland (anterior pituitary) by producing, releasing, and inhibiting hormones.
ii. Anterior pituitary and intermediate lobes are connected to the hypothalamus through the hypophyseal portal system. Various hormones secreted by the hypothalamus reach the pituitary gland through the hypophyseal portal system.
iii. The portal vein collects blood from various parts of the hypothalamus and opens into the anterior lobe of the pituitary. From the pituitary, the vein finally carries the blood into the superior vena cava. It helps in the feedback mechanism for hormonal control.
iv. Also, a negative feedback mechanism takes place in the form of hormones released by the target glands to decrease the secretion of the pituitary gland.
v. In such a negative feedback mechanism, the secretion of ACTH, TSH, and gonadotropins (FSH and LH) decreases when their target gland hormone levels rise.
e.g. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland to secrete glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol. In turn, an elevated blood level of cortisol decreases secretion of both corticotropin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) by suppressing the activity of the anterior pituitary corticotrophs and neurosecretory cells.
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