Endocrine and Reproductive Systems: Exam Prep

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

Which characteristic distinguishes the endocrine system from the nervous system?

  • The endocrine system's effects are typically faster and shorter-lived than those of the nervous system.
  • The endocrine system uses electrical signals for communication, while the nervous system relies on chemical messengers.
  • The endocrine system uses chemical messengers that result in slower but more sustained effects. (correct)
  • The endocrine system influences only a limited number of target cells, unlike the widespread effects of the nervous system.

A researcher is studying a new hormone that binds to receptors on the cell surface. Based on this information, to which class does this hormone likely belong?

  • Steroid hormones
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Peptide/Protein Hormones (correct)
  • Amine Hormones

A patient is diagnosed with a tumor that causes excessive secretion of GHRH. Which of the following is the most likely consequence of this condition?

  • Decreased secretion of growth hormone (GH).
  • Increased release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
  • Suppressed production of cortisol.
  • Elevated levels of growth hormone (GH). (correct)

Following childbirth, a new mother is having difficulty with milk production. Which hormone is most likely deficient?

<p>Prolactin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with symptoms of dehydration and low blood pressure. A doctor suspects a hormonal imbalance. Which hormone should the doctor measure?

<p>Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person is experiencing increased bone density due to increased calcium deposition. Which hormone is directly associated with this condition?

<p>Calcitonin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A woman is experiencing irregular menstrual cycles and difficulties conceiving. Which of the following hormones might be involved in these issues?

<p>Either Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) or Luteinizing Hormone (LH) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the hypothalamus is not producing enough TRH, which of the following hormonal imbalances would you expect to see?

<p>Decreased levels of TSH, T3, and T4. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the mechanism by which parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases blood calcium levels?

<p>Stimulating osteoclast activity and promoting vitamin D activation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario where a patient's blood glucose levels are dangerously high, which hormone would the pancreas typically release to counteract this condition?

<p>Insulin, to promote glucose uptake into cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a stressful situation, the adrenal cortex releases cortisol. What are the primary effects of cortisol release?

<p>Managing stress, increasing glucose availability, and suppressing the immune system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly pairs a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathway with its downstream effectors?

<p>Gs → Activates cAMP → Protein Kinase A (PKA). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with low blood pressure. How does the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) work to restore blood pressure?

<p>Stimulating renin release, converting angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, then angiotensin II, leading to aldosterone release and water retention. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct sequence of structures through which sperm pass from production to ejaculation?

<p>Seminiferous Tubules → Epididymis → Vas Deferens → Ejaculatory Duct → Urethra. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the female ovarian cycle, what hormonal event triggers ovulation?

<p>A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system?

<p>Producing an alkaline fluid to enhance sperm motility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A woman is experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding due to a thickened endometrial lining. Which phase of the uterine cycle is she most likely in, and which hormone is primarily responsible for this condition?

<p>Proliferative Phase; Estrogen. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the mnemonic 'FLAT PiG' for anterior pituitary hormones, which hormone is responsible for stimulating the adrenal cortex?

<p>Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Endocrine System

Regulates metabolism, growth, homeostasis, and reproduction by secreting hormones into the bloodstream.

Peptide/Protein Hormones

Water-soluble hormones that bind to surface receptors.

Steroid Hormones

Lipid-soluble hormones that pass through membranes to bind nuclear receptors.

Amine Hormones

Hormones derived from amino acids.

Signup and view all the flashcards

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Stimulates FSH & LH release.

Signup and view all the flashcards

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Stimulates sperm & egg production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Triggers ovulation & testosterone production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

ADH (Vasopressin)

Promotes water retention in kidneys.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Raises blood calcium by stimulating osteoclasts and activating vitamin D.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Insulin

Lowers blood glucose by increasing glucose uptake into cells.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Glucagon

Raises blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Aldosterone

Increases sodium and water retention to raise blood pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cortisol

Manages stress, increases glucose, and suppresses the immune system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Negative Feedback

Most hormones use this mechanism; high hormone levels inhibit further secretion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Positive Feedback

Rare; hormone release causes more hormone release (e.g., oxytocin in labor).

Signup and view all the flashcards

FSH in Males

Stimulates Sertoli cells, which are responsible for spermatogenesis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Follicular Phase

Outer layer of follicles develops; estrogen rises.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sperm Pathway

Includes: Seminiferous Tubules, Epididymis, Vas Deferens, Ejaculatory Duct, Urethra, Penis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • Focus is on the endocrine and reproductive systems, for exam preparation
  • Includes hormone functions, reproductive anatomy, feedback loops, and key physiological processes

Endocrine System Overview

  • The endocrine system regulates metabolism, growth, homeostasis, and reproduction
  • Regulation occurs by secreting hormones into the bloodstream
  • Unlike the fast electrical signals of the nervous system, the endocrine system uses slow but long-lasting chemical messengers
  • Glands like the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads produce hormones

Key Hormone Classes

  • Peptide/Protein Hormones: Water-soluble, bind to surface receptors (e.g., insulin, glucagon)
  • Steroid Hormones: Lipid-soluble, pass through membranes to bind nuclear receptors (e.g., cortisol, testosterone)
  • Amine Hormones: Derived from amino acids (e.g., epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine)

Major Hormones and Their Functions

  • Includes the location of production

Hypothalamus & Pituitary Gland (Master Glands)

  • GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone): Stimulates FSH & LH release
  • TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone): Stimulates TSH release
  • CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone): Stimulates ACTH release
  • GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone): Stimulates GH release

Anterior Pituitary Hormones

  • Mnemonic: FLAT PiG
  • FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Stimulates sperm & egg production
  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Triggers ovulation & testosterone production
  • ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone): Stimulates cortisol release
  • TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Stimulates T3 & T4 secretion
  • Prolactin: Promotes milk production
  • Growth Hormone: Stimulates cell growth, metabolism, and IGF-1 release

Posterior Pituitary Hormones

  • Oxytocin: Stimulates uterine contractions & milk ejection
  • ADH (Vasopressin): Promotes water retention in kidneys

Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands

  • T3 & T4: Regulate metabolism, energy production, and body temperature
  • Calcitonin: Lowers blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclasts
  • Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): Raises blood calcium by stimulating osteoclasts & vitamin D activation

Pancreas (Blood Sugar Regulation)

  • Insulin: Lowers blood glucose by increasing uptake into cells
  • Glucagon: Raises blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown

Adrenal Glands

  • Cortex:
    • Aldosterone: Increases sodium & water retention to raise blood pressure
    • Cortisol: Manages stress, increases glucose, and suppresses the immune system
    • Androgens: Precursor hormones for testosterone and estrogen
  • Medulla:
    • Epinephrine & Norepinephrine: Fight-or-flight response, increases heart rate and alertness

Hormonal Regulation & Feedback Loops

  • Hormone secretion is tightly regulated through feedback mechanisms
  • Negative Feedback: Most hormones use this mechanism (e.g., high cortisol inhibits ACTH)
  • Positive Feedback: Rare, but occurs in labor (oxytocin) and lactation (prolactin)

GPCR Pathways

  • Gs → Activates cAMP → Protein Kinase A (PKA)
  • Gq → Activates phospholipase C → IP3 & DAG → Calcium release

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

  • Renin is released by the kidneys due to low blood pressure
  • Renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I
  • ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II
  • Angiotensin II stimulates aldosterone release, causing sodium & water retention

Reproductive System Overview

Male Reproductive System

  • Spermatogenesis occurs in seminiferous tubules, sperm matures in the epididymis
  • Path of Sperm: Seminiferous Tubules → Epididymis → Vas Deferens → Ejaculatory Duct → Urethra
  • Hormonal Regulation:
    • GnRH stimulates FSH & LH
    • FSH stimulates Sertoli cells (spermatogenesis)
    • LH stimulates Leydig cells (testosterone production)

Accessory Glands

  • Seminal Vesicles: Secrete fructose-rich fluid
  • Prostate Gland: Produces alkaline fluid for sperm motility
  • Bulbourethral Glands: Secrete lubricating mucus

Female Reproductive System

  • Oogenesis: Primary oocytes arrest in prophase I until puberty

Ovarian Cycle Phases

  • Follicular Phase: Follicles grow, estrogen rises
  • Ovulation: LH surge causes egg release
  • Luteal Phase: Corpus luteum secretes progesterone

Uterine Cycle Phases

  • Menstrual Phase: Shedding of the endometrium
  • Proliferative Phase: Estrogen causes endometrial thickening
  • Secretory Phase: Progesterone maintains the lining for potential pregnancy

Key Mnemonics

  • FLAT PiG = Anterior Pituitary Hormones (FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, Prolactin, GH)
  • RAAS: Remember R-A-A → Renin → Angiotensin → Aldosterone
  • Sperm Pathway: SEVEn UP = Seminiferous Tubules, Epididymis, Vas Deferens, Ejaculatory Duct, Urethra, Penis

Active Recall & Study Strategies

  • Quiz Yourself: Use flashcards for hormone functions & feedback loops
  • Draw Diagrams: Recreate the RAAS system, ovarian cycle, and sperm pathway
  • Teach Someone Else: Explaining solidifies understanding

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser