Endocrine System and Hormone Regulation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the nervous and endocrine systems?

To coordinate functions of all body systems (correct)

To conduct nerve impulses along axons

To synthesize and break down receptors constantly

To produce hormones that influence target cells

What is the primary function of endocrine glands?

To produce hormones that influence metabolic activity (correct)

To produce digestive enzymes

To regulate body temperature

To filter waste and excess fluids from the blood

What is the term for the scientific study of hormones and the endocrine organs?

Neurology

Anatomy

Endocrinology (correct)

Physiology

What is the role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

To trigger the release of mediator molecules Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the number of receptors in the body when there is a deficiency of a hormone?

The number of receptors increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the part of the thyroid gland where the parathyroid gland is located?

Posterior portion Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the mediator substance of the nervous system?

Neurotransmitter Signup and view all the answers

Where are hormone receptors typically located?

On the surface of the cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the cell membrane that allows lipid-soluble hormones to pass through?

It is made up of a lipid bilayer Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for hormones that are produced by endocrine glands and transported through the bloodstream to reach their target cells?

Circulating hormones Signup and view all the answers

How many receptors does a target cell typically have for a particular hormone?

2000 to 100,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the nervous and endocrine systems?

The means of control of the two systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a hormone deficiency on the number of receptors in the body?

The number of receptors increases, leading to increased hormone activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the release of mediator molecules at synapses?

Neurotransmission Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following endocrine glands is responsible for regulating metabolism?

Thyroid gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which the body increases the number of receptors in response to a hormone deficiency?

Up-regulation Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the hormone concentration in the blood when an endocrine gland is induced?

It increases in frequency and concentration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pituitary gland in regulating hormone secretion?

To integrate signals from the nervous system and blood chemical changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the infundibulum in relation to the pituitary gland?

It connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a decrease in stimulation of an endocrine gland?

Decreased hormone concentration in the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the pituitary gland?

Hypophysial fossa of the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the pituitary gland?

Pea-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of the pituitary gland?

1-1.5 cm in diameter Signup and view all the answers

What are the two functionally separate portions of the pituitary gland?

Anterior and posterior pituitary Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrine Glands

Endocrine glands are also called ductless glands because they produce hormones and lack ducts.
They influence metabolic activity by means of hormones.

Organs Involved in the Endocrine System

Pituitary gland
Thyroid gland
Parathyroid gland (located at the posterior portion of the thyroid gland)

Up-regulation of Hormone Receptors

When there is a deficiency of a hormone, the body increases the number of receptors to compensate.

Circulating and Local Hormones

Circulating hormones are produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Chemical Classes of Hormones

Lipid-soluble hormones can pass through the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane.

Pituitary Gland

Shape: pea-shaped
Size: 1-1.5 cm (0.5 in.) in diameter
Location: hypophysial fossa of the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone
Has two functionally separate portions: the anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary
Attaches to the hypothalamus by the infundibular stalk (infundibulum)

Anterior Pituitary

Also called adenohypophysis (adeno- = gland; -hypo- = under; -physis = growth)

Other Endocrine Glands

Adrenal gland: found on top of the kidneys
Pineal gland

Introduction to the Endocrine System

The nervous and endocrine systems act together to coordinate functions of all body systems.
Endocrinology is the scientific study of hormones and the endocrine organs.

Hormonal Activity

The nervous system acts through nerve impulses, conducted along axons of neurons.
The endocrine system controls body activities by releasing mediators called hormones.

The Role of Hormone Receptors

Hormones influence their target cells by chemically binding to specific protein receptors.
Receptors are constantly being synthesized and broken down.
The target cell has 2000 to 100,000 receptors for a particular hormone.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of endocrine glands, hormone regulation, and their effects on metabolic activity.