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Questions and Answers

What is the primary difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?

  • Endocrine glands release products directly into the bloodstream; exocrine glands use ducts. (correct)
  • Endocrine glands release products through ducts, while exocrine glands release products directly into the bloodstream.
  • Endocrine glands affect only local tissues, while exocrine glands have systemic effects.
  • Endocrine glands secrete hormones, while exocrine glands secrete enzymes.

Which of the following best describes the function of hormones?

  • Providing energy for muscle contraction.
  • Transporting nutrients throughout the body.
  • Regulating physiological activities and maintaining homeostasis. (correct)
  • Acting as structural components of cell membranes.

Which gland serves as a key regulatory center linking the nervous and endocrine systems?

  • Hypothalamus (correct)
  • Adrenal gland
  • Pituitary gland
  • Thyroid gland

Which hormone is NOT secreted by the pituitary gland?

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

What is the primary role of thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland?

<p>Regulating metabolism, growth, and energy production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are secreted by the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels?

<p>Insulin and glucagon (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses by increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles?

<p>Adrenaline (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone regulates sodium and potassium balance, affecting blood pressure and fluid balance?

<p>Aldosterone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cortisol?

<p>Influencing glucose metabolism, reducing inflammation, and helping with stress response. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are produced by the ovaries and what do they regulate?

<p>Oestrogen and progesterone, regulating female reproductive cycles and secondary sexual characteristics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone influences male reproductive tissue development, sperm production, and secondary sexual characteristics?

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

What is homeostasis?

<p>The maintenance of a stable internal environment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT a key component regulated in human homeostasis:

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

Which bodily system is primarily responsible for expelling excess carbon dioxide to maintain acid-base balance?

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

How does the body respond to an increase in body temperature to maintain homeostasis?

<p>Vasodilation and sweating (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of feedback loop is most commonly involved in maintaining homeostasis?

<p>Negative feedback loop (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of negative feedback mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis?

<p>Detect imbalances, initiate a response to correct the imbalance, and restore balance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the body respond to increased blood carbon dioxide levels to maintain homeostasis?

<p>Increasing breathing rate and depth to expel more CO2. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for regulating water reabsorption in the kidneys to maintain blood water levels and osmolarity?

<p>ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does aldosterone help maintain salt balance in the body?

<p>By increasing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanisms does the body employ to cool down when it is overheating?

<p>Vasodilation and sweating (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of goitre, a disorder resulting from thyroxin imbalance?

<p>Iodine deficiency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a direct result of the failure of blood glucose regulation?

<p>Diabetes Mellitus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tissue fluid, crucial for maintaining a stable cellular environment, is derived from what source?

<p>Blood plasma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'milieu intérieur' as defined by Claude Bernard?

<p>The stable condition required for efficient cellular function. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might occur if the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood becomes too high?

<p>Acidosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is an example of a positive feedback loop?

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

Which gland relies on hormonal signals that originate in the hypothalamus?

<p>Pituitary (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the physiological rationale behind shivering when the body is exposed to cold temperatures?

<p>To generate heat through muscle contractions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is diagnosed with hyperaldosteronism, a condition characterized by excessive aldosterone production. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances is most likely to be observed in this patient?

<p>Increased serum sodium and decreased serum potassium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a diet severely deficient in iodine affect the regulatory feedback loop involving thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

<p>Decreased T4, increased TSH (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying a novel hormone that appears to disrupt negative feedback loops. Which of the following effects would most likely be associated with this hormone?

<p>Amplification of initial stimulus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Damage to the hypothalamus may have which of the following far-reaching effects?

<p>Disruptions in the regulation of growth, metabolism and reproduction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) often results in a deficiency of cortisol. How does the body initially respond to this deficiency via homeostatic mechanisms?

<p>Increased secretion of CRH and ACTH (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Predict the most likely outcome if the negative feedback loop controlling blood glucose were completely non-functional.

<p>Extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels after meals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A rare genetic mutation results in chemoreceptors with decreased sensitivity to carbon dioxide. Which compensatory mechanism would most likely occur?

<p>Increased reliance on oxygen levels to regulate breathing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a scenario where the body's ability to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' is severely compromised. Which of the following homeostatic processes would be LEAST directly affected?

<p>Regulation of blood glucose levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes endocrine glands from exocrine glands?

<p>Endocrine glands release products directly into the bloodstream; exocrine glands use ducts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best definition of a hormone?

<p>An organic chemical messenger that regulates physiological activities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland?

<p>Thyroxine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of insulin?

<p>To lower blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular uptake. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of homeostasis?

<p>To maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is negative feedback?

<p>A process that maintains a stable internal environment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'milieu intérieur'?

<p>The stable internal environment of the body. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the body typically respond to high blood glucose levels?

<p>By releasing insulin to facilitate glucose absorption by cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) in maintaining water balance?

<p>It alters kidney water reabsorption to maintain blood water levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is maintaining a stable internal temperature crucial for the human body?

<p>To ensure efficient enzyme function and metabolic processes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does aldosterone regulate salt balance in the body?

<p>It increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the blood is the source of tissue fluid?

<p>Blood plasma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism does the body primarily use to maintain stable blood pH levels?

<p>Regulating carbon dioxide levels through respiration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of the hypothalamus in thermoregulation?

<p>It monitors blood temperature and triggers responses to maintain a stable core temperature. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial bodily response to a decrease in body temperature?

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

How does the body respond when blood carbon dioxide levels become too high?

<p>The breathing rate and depth increase to expel more CO2. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback loop in the human body?

<p>Blood clotting to repair a wound. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might cause the body to initiate the thirst response?

<p>Increased concentration of solutes in the blood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a cold environment, what physiological response helps conserve body heat?

<p>Vasoconstriction in the skin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Iodine deficiency primarily affects the production of which hormone?

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

Which of the following describes a negative feedback loop?

<p>A deviation from a set point triggers a response that moves the body closer to the set point. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect would increased antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion have on the kidneys?

<p>Decreased urine production due to increased water reabsorption. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following physiological parameters is NOT primarily regulated by negative feedback mechanisms?

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

How does the body restore blood pH when it becomes too acidic due to increased carbon dioxide?

<p>By increasing the breathing rate to expel more carbon dioxide. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of tissue fluid in maintaining homeostasis?

<p>To supply nutrients to cells and remove waste products. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis due to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Which of the following homeostatic mechanisms has failed in this scenario?

<p>Blood glucose regulation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of homeostasis, what makes positive feedback loops less common in the human body?

<p>They tend to amplify changes, potentially leading to instability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in maintaining homeostasis?

<p>The hypothalamus secretes hormones that influence the pituitary gland, which then regulates other endocrine glands. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What compensatory mechanism would the body likely employ if the kidneys began to excrete too much sodium?

<p>Increased aldosterone production (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between blood osmolarity and ADH secretion?

<p>Increased blood osmolarity stimulates ADH secretion, leading to increased water reabsorption. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a tumor in the hypothalamus that interferes with its normal function indirectly affect thermoregulation?

<p>By disrupting the signaling to the pituitary gland, affecting hormonal control of metabolic processes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A pharmaceutical company is developing a drug that aims to enhance negative feedback in the regulation of blood glucose. Which mechanism would be MOST effective for this drug to employ?

<p>Increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely effect of a mutation that causes a complete loss of function of chemoreceptors sensitive to carbon dioxide?

<p>Increased respiratory rate and depth, eventually leading to respiratory acidosis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person is stranded in a desert with limited water. Which hormonal response is most critical for conserving water and maintaining blood pressure?

<p>Increased ADH secretion to increase water reabsorption in the kidneys. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a scenario where the body's ability to produce thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is completely lost. What immediate effect would this have on thyroid hormone levels?

<p>Decreased production of TSH and thyroxine (T4). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A genetic defect causes the body to produce an abnormal form of aldosterone that cannot effectively bind to its receptors in the kidneys. What is the most likely outcome?

<p>Decreased sodium and water retention, possibly leading to hypotension and dehydration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A newly discovered toxin selectively destroys cells in the anterior pituitary that produce TSH. What initial hormonal changes would be expected?

<p>Increased TRH, decreased TSH, decreased thyroxine. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying a population of individuals with a rare genetic mutation that disrupts the function of aquaporins in the kidneys. How would this likely affect their homeostatic regulation of water balance, particularly in response to dehydration?

<p>Impaired water reabsorption, leading to higher urine volume and increased risk of dehydration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a hypothetical scenario, a drug is developed that selectively and irreversibly inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting T4 (thyroxine) to T3 (triiodothyronine) in target tissues. How would this drug affect the negative feedback loop regulating thyroid hormone secretion?

<p>It would weaken negative feedback, leading to increased TRH and TSH secretion as the hypothalamus and pituitary attempt to compensate for reduced T3 levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the endocrine system from the exocrine system?

<p>Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream; exocrine glands use ducts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a hormone?

<p>It is a chemical messenger that regulates physiological activities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is NOT produced by the pituitary gland itself but is stored and released by it?

<p>Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary role of insulin?

<p>Lowering blood glucose levels by facilitating glucose uptake by cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is released to prepare the body for 'fight or flight' responses?

<p>Adrenaline (Epinephrine) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of aldosterone?

<p>Regulating sodium and potassium balance to affect blood pressure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is most directly involved in the long-term regulation of the body's response to stress?

<p>Cortisol (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT directly regulated by the endocrine system to maintain homeostasis?

<p>Production of digestive enzymes in the stomach (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of negative feedback loops in homeostasis?

<p>To maintain stable conditions by counteracting changes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of chemoreceptors in maintaining homeostasis?

<p>Detecting changes in carbon dioxide levels to regulate breathing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does tissue fluid primarily originate?

<p>Blood plasma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely effect of increased ADH (antidiuretic hormone) secretion on the kidneys?

<p>Increased water reabsorption (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback loop?

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

What is the physiological rationale behind shivering?

<p>To increase body temperature through muscle activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the 'milieu intrieur'?

<p>The stable internal environment maintained by the body (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which the body maintains stable blood pH levels?

<p>Expelling excess carbon dioxide through respiration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT directly contribute to maintaining homeostasis?

<p>Fluctuations in external environmental conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which compensatory mechanism would most likely occur if the kidneys began to excrete too much sodium?

<p>Increased secretion of aldosterone to retain sodium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initial hormonal changes would be expected if a newly discovered toxin selectively destroys cells in the anterior pituitary that produce TSH?

<p>Increased TRH, decreased TSH, and decreased thyroid hormones (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would the homeostatic regulation of water balance likely be affected in individuals with a genetic mutation that disrupts the function of aquaporins in the kidneys, particularly in response to dehydration?

<p>Reduced water reabsorption, exacerbating dehydration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Endocrine System

A system of glands secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream; examples include pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete products through ducts to external surfaces or body cavities.

Exocrine Glands

Examples include sweat, salivary, and pancreatic glands

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Hormones

Organic chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate physiological activities.

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Hypothalamus

A region in the brain that links the nervous and endocrine systems, affecting pituitary gland function.

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Pituitary Gland

An endocrine gland divided into anterior and posterior lobes, secreting hormones that control growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

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Growth Hormone (GH)

Hormone that controls growth

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Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Hormone that stimulates the thyoid

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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Hormone that stimulates the follicles

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Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production

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Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Hormone that regulates water balance

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Thyroid Gland

Located in the neck, produces thyroxine which regulates metabolism, growth, and energy production.

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Islets of Langerhans

Endocrine part of the pancreas that secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.

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Insulin

Hormone that lowers blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake

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Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver

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Adrenal Glands

Produces adrenaline, aldosterone, and cortisol; located above each kidney.

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Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

Hormone that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

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Aldosterone

Hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance, affecting blood pressure and fluid balance.

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Cortisol

Hormone that influences glucose metabolism, reduces inflammation, and helps with stress response.

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Ovaries

Produce oestrogen and progesterone, regulating female reproductive cycles and secondary sexual characteristics.

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Testes

Produce testosterone, which influences male reproductive tissue development, sperm production, and secondary sexual characteristics.

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Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment.

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Homeostatic Regulation

Regulation of blood glucose levels, body temperature, and water balance by hormonal interactions.

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Interstitial Fluid

Tissue fluid that bathes cells, supplying nutrients and removing waste products.

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Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze biological reactions, operating efficiently at a narrow temperature range.

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Acidosis

Condition where blood becomes too acidic due to high concentrations of CO2.

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Glucose

A primary energy source for cells, maintained within a tight range by insulin and glucagon.

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Homeostatic Mechanisms

Mechanisms that detect and respond to deviations in physiological conditions from a set 'normal' range.

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Negative Feedback Loops

A change in a condition triggers a response that counteracts that change, returning the system to its set point.

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Positive Feedback Loops

Amplify responses and are typically associated with events that need a rapid, decisive outcome.

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Negative feedback

The most common feedback, where a change in a condition triggers a response that counteracts that change, returning the system to its set point

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Homeostasis

Maintaining internal stability despite external changes via detecting an imbalance, initiating a response and restoring balance.

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Thyroxin Levels

Regulates metabolism, energy generation, and neural development. Controlled through TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).

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Blood Glucose Levels

Regulated by insulin and glucagon; high levels prompt insulin release, low levels trigger glucagon release.

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Blood Carbon Dioxide Levels

Impacts blood pH; increased levels lower pH, triggering increased breathing rate to expel more CO2.

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Water Balance (Osmoregulation)

Maintained by adjusting ADH secretion to alter kidney water reabsorption.

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Salt Balance

Regulated by aldosterone from the adrenal glands, balancing blood salt levels.

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Thermoregulation

Maintains a core temperature around 37°C; involves vasodilation, sweating, vasoconstriction, and shivering.

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Goitre

Resulting from thyroxin imbalance, typically due to iodine deficiency, leading to thyroid gland enlargement.

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Endocrine vs. Exocrine

Difference is the method of secretion; one releases hormones into the bloodstream, the other through ducts.

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Testosterone

The male hormone that promotes tissue development and sperm production.

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Oestrogen

The female hormone that regulates reproductive cycles and characteristics.

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How Insulin Works

Facilitates glucose uptake by cells, thus lowering blood sugar levels.

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How Glucagon Works

Breaks down glycogen in the liver, increasing blood glucose levels.

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What is Homeostasis?

Dynamic mechanisms maintaining stable internal conditions

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Tissue Fluid

The fluid surrounding cells, crucial for nutrient and waste exchange.

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Optimal Body Temperature

37°C (98.6°F)

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What is Acidosis?

Blood becomes too acidic

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What is Aldosterone?

Hormone from adrenal glands that regulates sodium and potassium levels.

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What is Cortisol?

Hormone from the adrenal glands that helps the body respond to stress.

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What is Diabetes?

Blood glucose is chronically elevated.

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What is the Endocrine System?

The system using hormones secreted into the bloodstream for regulation.

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What is the Hypothalamus?

Located in the brain, it regulates temperature, hunger, and thirst.

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What is the Thyroid Gland?

Located in the neck, it produces thyroxine, regulating metabolism.

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How is insulin triggered?

Elevated glucose levels trigger insulin release.

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How is water balance maintained?

Maintained by adjusting ADH to alter kidney water reabsorption.

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Why is homeostasis important?

Essential for health, preventing conditions like diabetes and goitre.

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What are the Adrenal Glands?

Located above the kidneys, they produce hormones for 'fight or flight'.

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What does the endocrine system regulate?

Regulating body temp, blood glucose, and water balance.

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How does the body respond to high CO2?

Elevated levels trigger increased breathing to expel CO2.

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What hormones do ovaries produce?

They produce oestrogen and progesterone.

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What is Thyroxin?

A hormone from the thyroid gland. Regulates metabolism, energy generation, and neural development.

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What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Failure of blood glucose regulation; chronically high blood sugar.

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Study Notes

  • The endocrine system is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and regulating bodily functions through chemical coordination.
  • It comprises endocrine glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, affecting distant target organs.
  • This contrasts with the exocrine system, which releases products through ducts.

Endocrine vs. Exocrine Glands

  • Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream, affecting target organs from a distance.
  • Exocrine glands secrete products through ducts to the body's surface or into cavities for local effects.

Definition of a Hormone

  • Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands.
  • Hormones regulate physiological activities and maintain homeostasis.
  • Hormones act on target cells/organs, modulating processes like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Endocrine Glands and Hormones

  • The hypothalamus is a regulatory center in the brain linking the nervous and endocrine systems.
  • The hypothalamus secretes hormones affecting the pituitary gland.
  • The pituitary gland (hypophysis) has anterior and posterior lobes.
  • The anterior and posterior lobes secrete hormones such as GH, TSH, FSH, LH, prolactin, and ADH.
  • The hormones from the lobes control growth, metabolic rate, reproductive functions, milk production, and water balance.
  • The thyroid gland, in the neck, produces thyroxine.
  • Thyroxine regulates metabolism, growth, and energy production, influencing nearly every cell.
  • The pancreas (Islets of Langerhans) has endocrine and exocrine functions.
  • The endocrine part secretes insulin and glucagon, regulating blood glucose levels.
  • Insulin lowers blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake.
  • Glucagon raises blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver.
  • The adrenal glands, above each kidney, produce adrenaline (epinephrine), aldosterone, and cortisol.
  • Adrenaline prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.
  • Adrenaline increases heart rate, blood flow to muscles, and sugar metabolism.
  • Aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium balance, affecting blood pressure and fluid balance.
  • Cortisol influences glucose metabolism, reduces inflammation, and helps with stress response.
  • The ovaries produce oestrogen and progesterone, regulating female reproductive cycles and secondary sexual characteristics.
  • The testes produce testosterone, which influences male reproductive tissue development, sperm production, and secondary sexual characteristics.

Endocrine System and Homeostasis

  • Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment, essential for survival.
  • The endocrine system maintains homeostasis by regulating temperature, hydration, and metabolic rate through feedback mechanisms.
  • Elevated glucose levels trigger insulin secretion, lowering blood glucose.
  • Decreased levels stimulate glucagon release, raising glucose levels.
  • Body temperature and water balance are tightly controlled by hormonal interactions.

Introduction – Homeostasis

  • Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
  • It is essential for the optimal functioning of cells, tissues, and organs.
  • Homeostasis involves detecting and responding to deviations in physiological conditions from a normal range.
  • The constancy of the internal environment allows efficient cellular function.
  • Tissue fluid (interstitial fluid) bathes cells, supplying nutrients and removing waste.
  • The composition of tissue fluid must remain constant for cells to function effectively.

Key Factors in Homeostasis

  • Human enzymes operate efficiently at a narrow temperature range around 37°C (98.6°F).
  • High concentrations of CO2 can lead to acidosis, disrupting enzyme activity.
  • Maintaining blood glucose levels within a tight range is vital for a steady energy supply.
  • Hormones like insulin and glucagon regulate glucose levels.
  • Water is crucial for cellular processes, and its distribution affects electrolyte concentration.
  • Mechanisms like thirst response and urine production help maintain water balance.

Homeostatic Mechanisms and Feedback Loops

  • Negative feedback loops counteract changes to return the system to its set point.
  • An example of a negative feedback loop is mechanisms that promote heat loss when body temperature rises.
  • Positive feedback loops amplify responses and are associated with events needing a rapid outcome.
  • Negative feedback is more prevalent for maintaining steady-state conditions.

Importance of Homeostasis

  • Disruptions in homeostasis can lead to diseases and disorders.
  • Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and acidosis reflect failures in homeostatic regulation.

Homeostasis: Negative feedback mechanisms

  • Negative feedback mechanisms are essential for regulating bodily functions and maintaining internal stability.
  • The key bodily functions regulated by negative feedback include: Thyroxin levels, blood glucose, carbon dioxide concentrations, water balance, salt concentration, and body temperature.

Negative Feedback Mechanisms

  • These mechanisms have steps that include detecting an imbalance, initiating a response, and restoring balance.
  • Thyroxin (thyroid hormone) regulates metabolism and neural development.
  • The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control thyroxin levels through TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).
  • Blood glucose is regulated by insulin and glucagon from the pancreas.
  • High glucose prompts insulin release, lowering blood sugar.
  • Low glucose triggers glucagon release, raising blood sugar levels.
  • Increased CO2 levels lower blood pH, triggering increased breathing to expel CO2 and restore pH balance.
  • The hypothalamus adjusts ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) secretion to regulate water reabsorption in the kidneys.
  • Aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium levels.
  • Low blood sodium triggers aldosterone release, balancing blood salt levels.

Thermoregulation

  • The body maintains a core temperature around 37°C for enzymatic and metabolic processes.
  • In response to heat, vasodilation and sweating cool the body.
  • In cold, vasoconstriction and shivering generate and conserve heat.

Disorders from Imbalance

  • Goitre results from thyroxin imbalance, causing thyroid gland enlargement.
  • Diabetes Mellitus results from blood glucose regulation failure, causing chronic high blood sugar.

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