The ________ regulates and maintains constant internal bodily states by stimulating the pituitary gland.
A) thalamus
B) hypothalamus
C) amygdala
D) hippocampus
Answer:
B) hypothalamus
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypothalamus is a part of the brain but also serves as an endocrine gland. The endocrine neurons of the hypothalamus secrete five releasing hormones and two inhibiting hormones. These hormones regulate the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. The tropic hormones of the pituitary gland regulate the secretion of hormones from other endocrine glands. In this way, the hypothalamus interacts with the pituitary gland to maintain the homeostasis.
For example, the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus stimulates the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary. The thyroid-stimulating hormone triggers the thyroid gland to secrete the thyroid hormones.