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Ch. 16 The Endocrine System
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb, Hoehn 11th EditionCh. 16 The Endocrine SystemProblem 17
Chapter 16, Problem 17

The posterior pituitary is not really an endocrine gland. Why not? What is it?

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Understand the definition of an endocrine gland: an endocrine gland synthesizes and secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Recognize that the posterior pituitary does not produce its own hormones; instead, it stores and releases hormones made by the hypothalamus.
Identify the hormones involved: the posterior pituitary releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which are synthesized in the hypothalamic neurons.
Explain that the posterior pituitary is essentially an extension of the hypothalamus composed of neural tissue, functioning as a neurosecretory organ.
Conclude that because it does not synthesize hormones but only stores and releases them, the posterior pituitary is not a true endocrine gland but a neurohypophysis.

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Key Concepts

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

Structure and Function of the Posterior Pituitary

The posterior pituitary is composed mainly of neural tissue and does not synthesize hormones itself. Instead, it stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus, such as oxytocin and vasopressin, directly into the bloodstream.
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Neuroendocrine Relationship

The posterior pituitary acts as a neuroendocrine interface, where nerve cells from the hypothalamus extend their axons into the pituitary to release hormones. This connection highlights its role as a neural extension rather than a traditional endocrine gland.
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Difference Between Anterior and Posterior Pituitary

Unlike the anterior pituitary, which is a true endocrine gland synthesizing hormones, the posterior pituitary does not produce hormones but releases those made by hypothalamic neurons. This distinction explains why it is not classified as a typical endocrine gland.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Roger Proulx has severe arthritis and has been taking prednisone (a glucocorticoid) for two months. He isn't feeling well, complains of repeated 'colds,' and is extremely 'puffy' (edematous). Explain the reason for these symptoms.

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Textbook Question

Describe the body location of each of the following endocrine organs: anterior pituitary, pineal gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands.

List the hormones produced by each organ.

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Textbook Question

Which type of hormone receptor—plasma membrane bound or intracellular—would be expected to provide the most long-lived response to hormone binding and why?

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Textbook Question

Define hormone.

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Textbook Question

The anterior pituitary is often referred to as the master endocrine organ, but it, too, has a 'master.' What controls the release of anterior pituitary hormones?

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Textbook Question

Name two endocrine glands (or regions) that are important in the stress response, and explain why they are important.

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