DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)
Applied Anatomy
Medium

Name the internal structure of the brain which is the source of all the neurohypophysis hormone production.

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

  • The neurohypophysis, or posterior pituitary, does not produce its own hormones; it only stores and releases them.
  • The hormones released from the neurohypophysis, Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH or vasopressin) and Oxytocin, are synthesized in the hypothalamus.
  • Specifically, ADH is produced in the supraoptic nucleus and oxytocin in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
  • These hormones travel down nerve fibers (axons) from the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary, where they are stored until a signal triggers their release into the circulation.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: The thalamus is a major relay center for sensory signals to the cerebral cortex and is involved in consciousness, sleep, and alertness. It does not produce hormones for the pituitary gland.
  • Option B: The cerebellum's primary role is in the coordination of voluntary motor movement, balance, and posture. It does not have an endocrine function.
  • Option D: The lateral ventricles are cavities within the brain that are part of the ventricular system. Their function is to produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), not hormones.

Related Visual

A sagittal view of the brain showing the anatomical relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The diagram should clearly label the supraoptic and paraventri...
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Endocrine function of the hypothalamus and its relationship with the neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Disorders of the hypothalamus or posterior pituitary can lead to conditions like Central Diabetes Insipidus (DI) due to ADH deficiency, causing excessive thirst and urination.
  • Conversely, Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) results from excessive ADH secretion, leading to fluid retention and hyponatremia.
  • Nursing care for patients with these conditions involves strict monitoring of fluid intake and output, daily weights, and serum sodium levels. Administering medications like desmopressin for DI is a key intervention.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the key term in the question: 'neurohypophysis'.
  • Recall that 'neurohypophysis' is the anatomical term for the posterior pituitary gland.
  • Access your knowledge of the endocrine system, specifically the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
  • Remember the crucial fact that the posterior pituitary is a storage site, not a production site, for its hormones.
  • Deduce that the hormones must be produced in the structure that directly controls the posterior pituitary, which is the hypothalamus.
  • Evaluate the options: eliminate the thalamus (sensory relay), cerebellum (motor control), and lateral ventricle (CSF cavity), confirming the hypothalamus as the only plausible answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Endocrine function of the hypothalamus and its relationship with the neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary).
  • Stem keywords: internal structure, brain, source, neurohypophysis, hormone production
  • Lead-in keywords: Name

Question ID

QNC0jwNTN2wqkADRfOP3-C

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 265-267

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 415-417

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.

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