The hormone secreted by Posterior Pituitary gland is?

Appeared in: ISRO- 2016

Explanation

The posterior pituitary gland stores and releases hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus.
Oxytocin is one of the two key hormones released from the posterior pituitary.
Its primary roles are stimulating uterine contractions during labor (the Ferguson reflex) and promoting milk ejection (let-down reflex) during lactation.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH or vasopressin) is the other hormone released by the posterior pituitary, which controls water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Option A: Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, not the pituitary gland.
Option B: Glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
Option C: Corticotrophin, also known as Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, not the posterior pituitary.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormones of the Posterior Pituitary Gland as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A synthetic form of oxytocin, Pitocin, is one of the most common drugs used in obstetrics to induce or augment labor and to control postpartum hemorrhage.
Understanding the source of hormones is crucial for diagnosing endocrine disorders. For example, central diabetes insipidus results from a deficiency of ADH from the posterior pituitary/hypothalamus, leading to excessive thirst and urination.
What if the patient has difficulty breastfeeding? A potential issue could be insufficient oxytocin release, affecting the milk let-down reflex. Nursing interventions would focus on promoting stimuli that trigger oxytocin release, such as skin-to-skin contact and a relaxed environment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key anatomical structure in the question: 'Posterior Pituitary gland'.
Recall the specific hormones associated with this gland. Remember that the posterior pituitary is unique because it stores and releases hormones rather than producing them.
The two hormones are Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin.
Scan the options provided: Insulin, Glucagon, Corticotrophin, Oxytocin.
Match your recalled knowledge with the options. Oxytocin is listed as an option.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their glands of origin: Insulin and Glucagon (Pancreas), Corticotrophin (Anterior Pituitary).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 4 p. 9-11

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 29-31

E6 Gynecology Williams p. 364-430

Practise the full ISRO- 2016

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