Name: Kidney Hormones
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 6 min 36 s
Description: Apart from excretion, kidneys produce hormones that influence the functions of other organs. Do kidneys have a say in red blood cell production and calcium m...

Question

Describe the role of hypothalamus as a neuroendocrine organ.

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is located below the thalamus, as a part of the forebrain. It connects the neural and endocrine systems. It responds to the sensory impulses received from different receptors and emits appropriate neural or endocrine signals. It possesses several groups of neurosecretory cells called 'nuclei' that release neurohormones. They are transported to the neurohypophysis through the axons of the hypothalamic-hypophysial tract. The two types of hormones produced by the hypothalamus are:

the releasing hormones (which stimulate the secretion of pituitary hormones).

the inhibiting hormones (which inhibit secretions of pituitary hormones).

A hypothalamic hormone called growth hormone releasing hormone stimulates the synthesis and release of Somatotropin (growth hormone) by the pituitary. On the contrary the growth hormone-inhibiting hormone or somatostatin from the hypothalamus inhibits the release of growth hormone from the pituitary. They reach the anterior pituitary through a portal circulatory system called hypophysial portal system and regulate the functions of the anterior pituitary. The posterior pituitary comes under the direct neural regulation of the hypothalamus.

Describe the role of hypothalamus as a neuroendocrine organ.

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