The hypothalamic-pituitary-end organ axis is involved in the production of many of the body’s endocrine hormones.
The hypothalamus is located on the ventral (ventral means in front) part of the diencephalon, meaning it is just under the thalamus.
The pituitary stalk (infundibulum) connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland lies just under the hypothalamus in the sella tursica and is divided into two parts:
The sphenoid sinus lies anterior and inferior to the pituitary. In transsphenoidal surgery, access to the pituitary access is required and this is done by passing through the sphenoid sinus from nasopharynx to the pituitary.
Hormones produced by the anterior pituitary:
The hormones produced by the target organ will exert a negative feedback effect on the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, thereby leading to a decrease in production of their respective hormones in each axis.
Let’s take an example:
Thyroid hormones have negative feedback on TRH and TSH production. This becomes important later on.
Two specific inhibitory hormones to be aware of: (both are produced in the hypothalamus.)
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