TYK303
Which statement regarding the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is CORRECT?
a) The posterior pituitary gland develops from an invagination in the oral ectoderm known as Rathke’s pouch.
b) The hypothalamus produces hormones that are transported down axons and stored in nerve terminals in the anterior pituitary for systemic release.
c) Releasing hormones are produced in the hypothalamus, secreted into a venous portal system, and stimulate the production of hormones in the posterior pituitary.
d) Antidiuretic hormone is produced in the posterior pituitary
e) Blood supply to the hypothalamus originates in the vertebrobasilar system.
Answer
Answer d. ADH and oxytocin are the two hormones produced in the posterior pituitary gland. The anterior pituitary develops from Rathke’s pouch. Hypothalamic hormones arrive at the pituitary via the venous portal system. Releasing hormones are produced it the hypothalamus, but travel via the venous system to the anterior pituitary. Blood supply to the hypothalamus and pituitary originates in the carotids (via the superior, middle, and inferior hypophyseal artery branches).
Notes
- This question originally printed in the Pediatric Anesthesiology Review Topics kindle book series, and appears courtesy of Naerthwyn Press, LLC.