Anterior v Posterior Pituitary Gland - PLUS Anterior Pituitary Hormones Mnemonic (FLAT PEG)
Table of Contents
Introduction
This tutorial provides an overview of the anterior and posterior pituitary glands, highlighting their differences, mechanisms, and the hormones they secrete. Additionally, it includes a mnemonic to help remember the hormones produced by the anterior pituitary. Understanding these concepts is crucial for students in medicine and related fields.
Step 1: Understand the Difference Between Adenohypophysis and Neurohypophysis
- The anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) is responsible for producing and secreting hormones.
- The posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) does not produce hormones but stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
- Key functions:
- Adenohypophysis: Hormone synthesis and secretion.
- Neurohypophysis: Hormone storage and release.
Step 2: Learn the Mechanism of the Anterior Pituitary
- The anterior pituitary is regulated by releasing hormones from the hypothalamus.
- These hormones travel through the bloodstream to stimulate the anterior pituitary to release its own hormones.
- Example releasing hormones include:
- Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
Step 3: Identify Anterior Pituitary Hormone Secreting Cell Types
- Different cell types in the anterior pituitary secrete specific hormones:
- Lactotrophs: Prolactin (PRL)
- Gonadotrophs: Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Corticotrophs: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
- Thyrotrophs: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Somatotrophs: Growth hormone (GH)
Step 4: Use the FLAT PEG Mnemonic for Anterior Pituitary Hormones
To remember the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary, use the mnemonic FLAT PEG:
- F: FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)
- L: LH (Luteinizing hormone)
- A: ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone)
- T: TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone)
- P: Prolactin (PRL)
- E: Endorphins
- G: Growth hormone (GH)
Step 5: Understand the Mechanism of the Posterior Pituitary
- The posterior pituitary stores two main hormones produced by the hypothalamus:
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin
- Oxytocin
- These hormones are released into the bloodstream in response to nerve signals from the hypothalamus.
Step 6: Identify Hormones Released by the Posterior Pituitary
- The posterior pituitary releases:
- ADH: Helps regulate water balance in the body.
- Oxytocin: Involved in uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.
Step 7: Explore the Intermediate Lobe of the Pituitary
- The intermediate lobe, although not always emphasized, produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
- MSH influences pigmentation in the skin.
Conclusion
In this guide, we explored the differences between the anterior and posterior pituitary glands, their hormone secretions, and mechanisms of action. The FLAT PEG mnemonic serves as a helpful tool for remembering anterior pituitary hormones. For further study, consider exploring additional resources or videos about pituitary gland functions and related hormonal pathways.