U1.iv · Endocrine Physiology

Official V4 objective

Describe the control, secretions and functions of the pituitary and the hypothalamus.

3 SAQ topics 5 SAQ appearances 3 VIVA stations

Current · V5 (2025) → L1.iii

Written examination

SAQ history

5 appearances

Pituitary & Hypothalamus — Anterior Pituitary

2 exam appearances

2025A Q07

(a) List the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland (10% of marks). (b) For each hormone listed, briefly outline the following: (i) the effects on their target organs (50% of marks). (ii) the positive and negative control and/or feedback mechanisms (40% of marks).

60%

2021A Q13

List the cell types in the anterior pituitary gland. Outline their secretions, control and target organ effects.

40%

Pituitary & Hypothalamus — Hypothalamus

2 exam appearances

2023A Q16

Outline the role of the hypothalamus.

29%

2018A Q20

Outline the structure (20% of marks) and function (80% of marks) of the hypothalamus.

21%

Pituitary & Hypothalamus — Pituitary Hormones

1 exam appearance

2009B Q21

List the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. (30% marks) Outline the physiological factors that control secretion of hormones from the posterior pituitary. (70% marks)

44%

Oral examination

VIVA history

3 stations

2024A · Day 1 · VIVA 8
This VIVA will examine adrenal physiology and pharmacology. How is ACTH secretion controlled?

Pass rate not reported
2011B · VIVA 7
This Viva will test your knowledge of the endocrinology of the thyroid gland. Q 1 What is a hormone? How is it defined? Subsequent questions asked about chemical types of hormones, hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary, the principal biological role of the thyroid hormones, production of thyroid hormones, advantages of thyroxine for thyroid replacement in comparison to triiodothyronine, and mechanism of action of propylthiouracil.

100% successful
2010A · VIVA 5
This Viva will examine knowledge of intravenous fluids, colligative properties What is in a bag of Normal Saline? Areas of knowledge that candidates were tested on included concepts of osmolality, osmolarity, anion gap, mannitol, and colligative properties of fluid. In addition this viva tested knowledge of the pituatary gland, specifically anatomy, hormones secreted and in particular, Anti Diuretic Hormone.

87.5% successful

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.