16 Questions
What is the primary function of the endocrine system?
To regulate body functions, such as metabolism and growth
What is the role of hormones in the endocrine system?
To dissolve into blood plasma and travel to specific body regions
What is a hormone?
An organic chemical produced by one set of cells that has an effect on a different set of cells
What is the purpose of a hormone's specific action?
To interact with its intended target cell
How do hormones travel to their target cells?
Through the circulatory system
What is the role of the endocrine organ in the production of hormones?
To produce hormones that have a specific target organ
How do hormones find their target cells?
Through the interaction with cell projections
What is the result of the interaction between a hormone and its target cell?
The target cell is stimulated to produce a specific response
What is the main function of hormones in the human body?
To change the shape of proteins and trigger cellular responses
What is the mechanism by which hormones interact with their receptors?
A lock and key mechanism
What is the primary difference between peptide and steroid hormones?
The speed and duration of their action
Where do peptide hormones attach to the cell?
Outside the cell membrane
What is the origin of steroid hormones?
Cholesterol
What is the effect of steroid hormones on the cell?
They change protein synthesis
What is the main characteristic of peptide hormones in terms of their action?
They act quickly and have a short duration
What type of glands are found in the digestive system?
Exocrine glands
Study Notes
Anatomy of the Endocrine System
- The endocrine system is composed of glands that regulate various body functions, including reaction to the environment, blood substance levels, metabolism, growth, immune responses, and sexual development and function.
Hormones
- Hormones are organic chemicals produced by one set of cells that have an effect on a different set of cells.
- Hormones have a specific organ of origin, target organ, and specific action.
- Hormones dissolve into blood plasma and travel to specific body regions through the bloodstream to reach their target cells.
- It takes time for a hormone to be produced, released into the bloodstream, circulate, and eventually reach its target cell.
Lock and Key Mechanism
- Hormones interact with their intended target cells through a lock and key mechanism, where each hormone fits into a very specific receptor on the cell surface.
- If the hormone does not fit the receptor, it cannot attach to the cell.
Classes of Hormones
- There are two major classes of hormones: peptide hormones and steroid hormones.
- Peptide hormones are derived from proteins (peptides and catecholamines) and attach to the outside of the cell, activating existing enzymes for quick action.
- Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol, pass through the plasma membrane, and alter protein synthesis for slower but longer-lasting action.
Types of Glands
- There are two main types of glands in the body: endocrine glands and exocrine glands.
- Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
- Exocrine glands, found in the digestive system, have ducts and secrete into an epithelial surface.
Learn about the anatomy of the endocrine system, including the location of endocrine organs and an introduction to hormones. Understand how the endocrine system regulates body functions, such as reactions to the environment and internal balances.
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