Discussion P W3 Reply 1-1

Clinical Requirement:

Anterior and posterior are the two lobes of the pituitary gland, which is located in the bony sella turcica, is attached to the base of the brain and has a unique connection with the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland consists of two anatomically and functionally distinct regions, the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis). Between these lobes lies a small region called the intermediate lobe. The hypothalamus regulates the pituitary gland secretion (Sayed, 2023). The anterior pituitary hormones (AP) are responsible for the growth hormone (GH), other names this hormone is known as is somatotropic hormone or somatotropin and it targets most of all tissues in the body. The transport mechanism consists of 60% circulates free and 40% bound to specific GH-binding proteins (GHBPs) (Sayed, 2023), and it causes the GH to bind to growth hormone receptors (GHR) and activates the growth process in the body. GH also have direct metabolic functions, such as stimulation the growth of all tissues of the body by increasing the number of cell and effects fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Indirect actions on the skeletal system consist in skeletal growth by stimulating production of IGF-1 from hepatocytes (Sayed, 2023). In other words, GH targets the bones and skeletal muscles. The anterior pituitary gland is regulated through vessels that connect to the hypothalamus and posterior pituitary gland is regaled by nerves connected to the hypothalamus, both are an essential part to our system. The pituitary glands and hypothalamus are vulnerable to head trauma, face trauma, as well as lack blood supply such as cardiac arrest. Evaluation and treatment of individuals with hormonal deficiency post a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be challenging. The prevalence of pituitary abnormalities after TBI varies greatly across research studies, from a mere 1% to three-quarters of TBI patients being reported as potentially affected! (Sandel, 2022). Acute TBI may resolve however other deficiencies may become chronic and may have a greater impact on the cognitive skills affection the host. According to researcher Dr. Elizabeth Sandel that approximately one-third of TBI patients have persistent anterior pituitary dysfunction 12 months or more following the injury (Sandel, 2022). Furthermore, many acute abnormalities can be life-threatening. Some examples of abnormalities in the posterior pituitary are the result of too much or too little anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) is diabetes insipidus as a result of severe water loss from the body. Other samples that contribute acute abnormalities are the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH (SIADH) and cerebral salt wasting syndrome which are more common and can resolve with proper treatment and laboratory evaluation, such syndromes have a chemical imbalance of salt and water in the body finding the correct treatment medical is crucial for improvement and prevent dehydration, cardiac complication, renal failure and even death. In order to prevent TBI assessment must be done right away in order to diagnose correctly and treat the symptoms with laboratory evaluations and screenings of ACTH and TSH deficiencies during the acute period followed by 6- and 12-months evaluations. Also, it is recommended that evaluations every 3, 6, and 12 months take place for hormonal deficiencies is the signs and symptoms warrant it. In conclusion the pituitary gland regulates and secrets essentials hormones for our bodies to exist, grow and develop. The pituitary gland the hypothalamus favors each other and are both vulnerable to brain trauma. The hypothalamus releases hormones also known as releasing hormones that act on the pituitary gland which acts on other organs of the body releasing growth hormones (GH). In order to avoid brain injuries, patient education such as wearing proper safety gear as well as learning how to avoid such injuries and how to treat them plays an import role in nursing education. Reference Sayed, S. A. E. (2023, May 1). Physiology, pituitary gland. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459247/ Tkacs, N. C., & Herrmann, L. L. (2025). Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology: Essentials for Clinical Practice. Springer Publishing Company, LLC. Sandel, E. (2022b, May 27). How does brain trauma affect brain hormones? Elizabeth Sandel, M.D. https://elizabethsandelmd.com/insights/how-does-brain-trauma-affect-brain-hormones/