Which Hormone is secreted by posterior pituitary gland?

SGPGI Nursing Officer-2023

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2023

Explanation

The posterior pituitary gland stores and secretes two hormones: Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, and Oxytocin.
These hormones are actually synthesized in the nerve cell bodies of the hypothalamus and are then transported down axons to the posterior pituitary for storage and later release.
ADH is the correct answer as it is one of the two hormones released from the posterior pituitary.
The primary function of ADH is to regulate water balance by increasing the permeability of the renal collecting ducts to water, leading to increased water reabsorption.

Option A: Growth Hormone (GH) is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, not the posterior lobe.
Option C: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
Option D: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is also a gonadotropin secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormones of the Pituitary Gland as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the origin of ADH is crucial for diagnosing and managing water balance disorders. A nurse needs to differentiate between central and nephrogenic causes.
A deficiency of ADH leads to Diabetes Insipidus (DI), characterized by polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (extreme thirst). Nurses will need to manage fluid replacement and administer synthetic ADH (desmopressin).
An excess of ADH causes the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH), leading to water retention, dilutional hyponatremia, and concentrated urine. Nursing care involves fluid restriction and monitoring sodium levels.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Hormone' and 'posterior pituitary gland'. The question asks for a product of this specific gland.
Recall the basic structure and function of the pituitary gland. Remember that it is divided into two distinct parts: the anterior and posterior lobes, each releasing different hormones.
Mentally list or visualize the hormones associated with each lobe. For the posterior pituitary, the key hormones are ADH and Oxytocin. For the anterior pituitary, the list is longer (GH, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, PRL).
Scan the given options: Growth hormone, ADH, FSH, and LH.
Compare the options to your mental list. ADH is on the list for the posterior pituitary.
Confirm that the other options (GH, FSH, LH) are all associated with the anterior pituitary, making them incorrect choices for this question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1165-1167

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