1. The Pituitary Gland 11(b)

3. Overview of the Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland is located in the sella tursica ( Latin, “Turkish Horse Saddle” ) of the ethmoid bone.

4. Overview of the Pituitary Gland It is located directly below the hypothalamus and connected to it via the portal veins. There are two lobes to the pituitary gland: – Anterior pituitary: Hormones secreted from gland cells. – Posterior pituitary: Hormones secreted from neurons.

5. Draw and label a diagram of the hypothalamus connected to the pituitary: -Label the following: – Hypothalamus – Hypophyseal portal veins – Anterior pituitary – Posterior pituitary – Sella turcica

6. The ANTERIOR Pituitary

7. The Anterior Pituitary ACTH (Adrenal Corticotropic Hormone) – Regulates hormones released from the adrenal gland. – Excess ACTH can lead to increased levels of cortisol, which in turn causes Cushing’s Syndrome. Symptoms: Rapid weight gain, padding behind neck, stretch marks, “moon” face.

8. Cushing’s Disease (Increased levels of ACTH) Before (normal ACTH) After (elevated ACTH)

9. The Anterior Pituitary FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) – In females, causes growth of oocyte/ follicle (pre-ovum); initiates growth of sperm in males. LH (Luteinizing Hormone) – In females, causes meiosis of ovum & thus ovulation occurs; in males, regulates secretion of testosterone.

10. The Anterior Pituitary PRL (Prolactin) – Acts upon the mammary glands, causing growth and milk secretion. – Prolactin is only released in large quantities before, during and immediately after pregnancy. – After pregnancy, prolactin will continue release as long as the mammaries are stimulated. Therefore, as long as a mother continues nursing, she will produce prolactin.

11. The Anterior Pituitary TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) – Causes the thyroid gland to activate and produce thyroxin.

12. The Anterior Pituitary GH (Growth Hormone) – Causes rapid growth of bone & muscle tissue. – Growth hormones’ release causes the initiation of puberty. – GH is primarily secreted while one is sleeping – Therefore, lack of sleep = stunted growth!

13. The Anterior Pituitary – Deficiency in GH can cause: Pituitary dwarfism.

14. The Anterior Pituitary – Excess in GH can cause: Before puberty (bones not hardened): gigantism. After puberty (bones hardened): acromegaly.

15. Acromegaly Excess Growth Hormone AFTER puberty Age 15Age 25Age 40

16. The Anterior Pituitary – GH is a protein (polypeptide). – Does GH in dairy milk make it harmful? NO. #1. GH is a protein; it will break down into amino acids during digestion. -You can drink snake venom and nothing will happen – why? #2. GH is species specific. Bovine GH is not human GH. Completely different.

19. “HGH” is now available at your local store. – “HGH” is not hGH – Only real human Growth Hormone can be administered by a physician… and used sparingly. It is dangerous if administered too often! Claims of rejuvenation and strength are common. It now claims to also “cure” aging. Huh? As Seen on TV! No Side Effects! It’s Guaranteed! SCAM Alert!

24. Claims of rejuvenation and weight loss are common, but without merit!

25. The POSTERIOR Pituitary

26. The Posterior Pituitary OT (Oxytocin) – Causes a strong sense of bonding. Oxytocin is released in social settings, but also in large quantities during sex. – This is why one-night stands will almost always end in pain – humans are meant for bonded relationships. Research shows a lack of oxytocin can lead to peer manipulation, narcissism and a lack of empathy.

27. The Posterior Pituitary OT (Oxytocin) – During labor, it is released in huge quantities causing contractions. Ahhhh! Dang you, oxytocin!

28. The Posterior Pituitary ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) – Regulates water concentration in the body by causing the kidneys to retain water. – Negative Feedback/ Homeostasis: When your body needs water, ADH secretes and you retain. When you have too much water, you urinate. ADH

29. The Posterior Pituitary ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) – A lack of ADH thus causes one to urinate excessively. Alcohol blocks ADH from being released. What is the effect on the person? They will urinate excessively. – Social drinkers refer to this as, “breaking the seal.” – It is possible to dehydrate drinking beer if you’re urinating more water than you take in.

30. The Posterior Pituitary ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) Diabetes Insipidus – DO NOT get mixed up with Diabetes Mellitus. – Causes excessive urination due to lack of ADH. – Can cause rapid dehydration and death – loss of up to 20L/day!

31. A person with diabetes insipidus needs to drink LOTS of water due to all of their water loss and dehydration from excessive urination. A person with diabetes insipidus needs to drink LOTS of water due to all of their water loss and dehydration from excessive urination.

32. Review of Pituitary Hormones Anterior Pituitary – Endocrine Gland Tissue – FSH Follicle Stimulating hormone – LH Luteinizing Hormone – ACTH Adrenal Corticotropic Hormone – PRL Prolactin – TSH Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone – GH Growth Hormone Posterior Pituitary – Nervous Tissue – OT Oxytocin – ADH Anti-Diuretic Hormone AP PP