Ch. 16 The Endocrine System

Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition

Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook

Amerman 2nd Edition

Ch. 16 The Endocrine System

Problem L2.3

Chapter 16, Problem L2.3

A patient has a brain tumor that necessitates removal of his pituitary gland. Will its removal affect production of ADH and oxytocin? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the pituitary gland: The pituitary gland is divided into two parts—the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The posterior pituitary stores and releases two hormones: antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin, which are produced by the hypothalamus.

Recognize the connection between the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary: ADH and oxytocin are synthesized in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary for storage and release. The removal of the pituitary gland would eliminate the storage and release site for these hormones.

Consider the impact of pituitary removal: Without the posterior pituitary, the hypothalamus can no longer release ADH and oxytocin into the bloodstream, which would disrupt their normal physiological functions.

Explain the physiological consequences: The absence of ADH would impair water reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to excessive urination and dehydration (a condition known as diabetes insipidus). The absence of oxytocin would affect uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Conclude the explanation: Removal of the pituitary gland directly affects the production and release of ADH and oxytocin because the posterior pituitary is essential for their storage and secretion, even though they are synthesized in the hypothalamus.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Pituitary Gland Function

The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' regulates various hormonal functions in the body. It produces and secretes hormones that control other glands, including the adrenal glands, thyroid, and reproductive glands. The anterior pituitary produces hormones like ACTH and TSH, while the posterior pituitary stores and releases ADH and oxytocin, which are crucial for water balance and childbirth, respectively.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary. It plays a vital role in regulating the body's water balance by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys. A decrease in ADH levels can lead to conditions such as diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive urination and thirst.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It is primarily known for its role in childbirth, stimulating uterine contractions, and facilitating milk ejection during breastfeeding. Additionally, oxytocin is involved in social bonding and emotional responses, making it significant in both physiological and psychological contexts.

Recommended video:

Guided course

01:57

Feedback Loops Example 1

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Steroid hormones are hydrophilic molecules that bind to plasma membrane proteins as part of a second-messenger system.

views

Textbook Question

Predict the effects of a pancreatic tumor that secretes insulin. How would the effects change if the tumor secreted glucagon instead?

views

Textbook Question

Which of the following hormones is/are produced by the posterior pituitary?

a. Antidiuretic hormone

b. Oxytocin

c. Both a and b

d. Neither a nor b

views

Textbook Question

Which of the following is not a potential effect that a hormone could have on its target cell?

a. Activating genes in the DNA

b. Stimulating cellular division

c. Altering the permeability of the plasma membrane

d. All of the above are potential effects of a hormone on its target cell.

views

Textbook Question

Females with hormone-secreting tumors of the adrenal cortex occasionally develop male secondary sex characteristics. Explain why this may happen.

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The secretion of most hormones is regulated by a negative feedback system.

views