Anatomy LE 4: Endocrine System

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What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

To control the nervous system

To maintain homeostasis and coordinate body growth and development (correct)

To produce hormones for external secretion

To regulate body movement

What is unique about the placenta in terms of hormone release?

Hormones are released directly into the maternal blood (correct)

Hormones are released into the bloodstream

Hormones are released into the lymphatic vessels

Hormones are released into the ECM of connective tissue

What type of cells make up the endocrine glands?

Epithelial cells (correct)

Nerve cells

Muscle cells

Connective tissue cells

Where are hormones released from endocrine glands?

Into the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) of connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the rich vascular networks surrounding endocrine glands?

To transport hormones to target organs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major endocrine organ?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for endocrine components found in solid organs?

Endocrine components with solid organs Signup and view all the answers

Where are the hormones released from the endocrine glands transported to?

Both a and b Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the thin fibrous capsule?

Cords of well-stained endocrine cells Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about Chromophils?

They have a high affinity to staining Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are Acidophils and Basophils?

Chromophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of secretory cells?

To store hormones in cytoplasmic granules Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Rathke's pouch?

To form the lumen of the hypophyseal pouch Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Pars tuberalis?

Highly vascular region Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are predominantly found in Pars tuberalis?

Gonadotrophs Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of Pars tuberalis?

Funnel-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the parathyroid gland?

Ovoid Signup and view all the answers

How many parathyroid glands do most people have?

Four Signup and view all the answers

Where are the superior parathyroid glands located?

Slightly more than 1 cm superior to the point of entry of the inferior thyroid artery Signup and view all the answers

From which pharyngeal pouch does the inferior parathyroid gland develop?

3rd pharyngeal pouch Signup and view all the answers

Where are the parathyroid glands located in relation to the thyroid gland?

On the posterior surface of the thyroid gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the arrangement of the parathyroid glands?

In pairs Signup and view all the answers

What is the position of the inferior parathyroid gland?

Slightly more than 1 cm inferior to the point of entry of the inferior thyroid artery Signup and view all the answers

From which pharyngeal pouch does the superior parathyroid gland develop?

4th pharyngeal pouch Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of blood supply to the parathyroid glands?

Inferior thyroid arteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the pathway of venous drainage from the parathyroid glands?

Thyroid plexus of veins Signup and view all the answers

What type of innervation do the parathyroid glands receive?

Vasomotor, not secretomotor Signup and view all the answers

What is the histological characteristic of older parathyroid glands?

Increased numbers of oxyphil cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cell type found in the parathyroid gland?

Principal cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arteries does NOT directly supply the parathyroid glands?

Bronchial arteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nerve supply to the parathyroid glands?

Regulation of blood vessel diameter Signup and view all the answers

What is the pathway of lymphatic drainage from the parathyroid glands?

Deep cervical lymph nodes and paratracheal lymph nodes Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are found in the thymus cortex?

Thymic epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the blood-thymus barrier?

To prevent unregulated exposure of thymocytes to antigens Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structure formed by thymic epithelial cells in the thymus medulla?

Hassall corpuscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Hassall corpuscles in the thymus medulla?

They release cytokines that regulate T cell development Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the immature form of the kidney?

Pronephros Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of stellate thymic epithelial cells?

To form cytoreticulum Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells attach to the cytoreticulum?

Developing lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of thymic epithelial cells in the thymus cortex?

To function as Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs) Signup and view all the answers