Question

Homeostasis refers to the condition whereby the state of a process is maintained under control. a) What brain structure maintains homeostasis by regulating endocrine glands via the pituitary gland? b) Name the three glands that represent the targets of the 3 ‘axes’ associated with these homeostatic regulatory processes of metabolism involving the pituitary.

Answer 1

Answer

a) The brain structure that maintains homeostasis by regulating endocrine glands via the pituitary gland is : Hypothalamus

• Hypothalamus controls pituitary gland secrestions.
• Regulatory hormones such as releasing and inhibiting hormones control anterior pituitary gland.
• Hypothalamic–hypophyseal tract control posterior pituitary gland.
  

b) The 3 targets of 3 axes are :

1. Adrenal cortex -- Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
2. Thyroid gland -- Hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis
3. Ovaries / Testes -- Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis