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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

Visual explanation — Related Visual
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

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