Endocrine System: Hormones and Receptors

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic is associated with steroid hormones?

  • They are hydrophilic and easily dissolve in blood.
  • They activate second messenger systems to alter gene expression.
  • They are derived from cholesterol. (correct)
  • They bind to cell surface receptors.

What is the primary role of the parathyroid hormone (PTH)?

  • To regulate metabolism.
  • To decrease blood calcium levels.
  • To induce uterine contractions.
  • To increase blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclast activity. (correct)

Which of the following hormones is NOT produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland?

  • Growth hormone (GH)
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
  • Antidiuretic hormone (ADH/vasopressin) (correct)

Which pancreatic cell type is responsible for secreting insulin?

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

What is the functional significance of the hypothalamus monitoring body temperature, metabolism, and electrolyte balance?

<p>To regulate anterior pituitary activity via hormonal signals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with symptoms of increased blood sugar. Which hormonal imbalance might be suspected?

<p>Deficiency in insulin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the mechanism by which thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) regulate the secretion of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

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

If a researcher is investigating a hormone that exerts its effects by directly influencing gene transcription in the nucleus of target cells, which class of hormone is MOST likely being studied?

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

A pharmaceutical company is developing a drug to mimic the effects of a naturally occurring hypothalamic hormone to stimulate growth hormone release. Which hormone is MOST likely the target of this drug?

<p>Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A novel endocrine disrupting compound is discovered that selectively inhibits the function of 11beta-hydroxylase, an enzyme essential for cortisol synthesis in the zona fasciculata. Predict the MOST likely compensatory endocrine response to maintain hormonal homeostasis.

<p>Elevated secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes steroid hormones from non-steroid hormones?

<p>Steroid hormones are hydrophobic and can diffuse across cell membranes, while non-steroid hormones are hydrophilic. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary stimulus for the release of aldosterone from the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex?

<p>Increased potassium levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary function of the hormone somatostatin?

<p>Inhibiting the secretion of growth hormone and insulin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical relationship between the thyroid and parathyroid glands?

<p>The parathyroid glands are embedded on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine?

<p>Activating second messenger systems after binding to cell surface receptors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is synthesized from cholesterol?

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

Which zone of the adrenal cortex is primarily responsible for producing cortisol, a hormone involved in stress response?

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

What is the functional consequence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) release from the posterior pituitary?

<p>Increased water reabsorption in the kidneys (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone primarily regulates blood calcium levels through bone resorption?

<p>Parathyroid hormone (PTH) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) produced by the thyroid gland?

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

Which of the following describes the mechanism of action of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) at the cellular level?

<p>Binding to intracellular receptors and influencing gene transcription. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type in the pancreas is responsible for secreting glucagon?

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

Which section of the pituitary gland is derived from neural ectoderm?

<p>The posterior lobe (neurohypophysis) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher discovers a novel compound that selectively inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 in peripheral tissues. Predict the MOST likely hormonal change in response to this compound.

<p>Increased TSH secretion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of the hypothalamus in regulating pituitary gland function?

<p>The hypothalamus releases hormones that control hormone secretion by the anterior pituitary and directly releases hormones from the posterior pituitary. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vascular structures directly supplies blood to the pancreas?

<p>Splenic artery and pancreaticoduodenal artery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying a cell line that exhibits increased levels of cAMP in response to hormone binding. Which type of receptor is MOST likely activated by this hormone?

<p>G protein-coupled receptor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which oxytocin influences uterine contractions during childbirth?

<p>Stimulating the release of prostaglandins, which enhance uterine muscle contractility. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient exhibits symptoms of hypocalcemia due to surgical removal of an endocrine gland. Identify the MOST likely gland that was removed:

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

A biochemist isolates a novel hormone that is found to be bound to a transport protein in the bloodstream, yet exerts its effects rapidly on target cells by altering membrane permeability. Which of the following is the MOST plausible classification for this hormone, considering its transport and mechanism of action?

<p>An amino acid-derived hormone, activating G-protein coupled receptors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Steroid Hormones

Derived from cholesterol. They are hydrophobic, diffuse across the cell membrane, and bind to intracellular receptors.

Non-Steroid Hormones

Includes peptides and proteins. They are hydrophilic and bind to cell surface receptors, activating second messenger systems.

Amino Acid Hormones

Derived from tyrosine, including thyroid hormones and catecholamines.

Hypothalamus Function

Regulates anterior pituitary activity, monitors body temperature and metabolism, and communicates via vascular and neural pathways.

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Anterior Pituitary Hormones

Anterior lobe of the pituitary gland derived from oral ectoderm which secretes Growth hormone (GH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), and Prolactin (PRL).

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Posterior Pituitary Hormones

Posterior lobe of the pituitary gland derived from neural ectoderm which stores and releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH/vasopressin) for water balance and oxytocin for uterine contractions/lactation.

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Thyroid Gland Function

Located anterior to the trachea, it produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) to regulate metabolism. and calcitonin to reduce blood calcium levels.

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Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Increase blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclast activity.

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Islets of Langerhans

Beta cells secrete insulin (lowers blood sugar), Alpha cells secrete glucagon (raises blood sugar), Delta cells secrete somatostatin (inhibits GH and insulin), and PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide.

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Adrenal Cortex Zones

Zona Glomerulosa secretes Aldosterone (regulates sodium balance), Zona Fasciculata secretes Cortisol (stress response), and Zona Reticularis secretes Androgens.

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Zona Glomerulosa function

Regulates sodium balance in the adrenal cortex.

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Zona Fasciculata function

Secretes cortisol in response to stress in the adrenal cortex.

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Chromaffin cells

Secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine to cause a sympathetic response.

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Thyroid gland blood supply

Superior and inferior thyroid arteries.

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Parathyroid gland blood supply

Inferior thyroid arteries.

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Pancreas blood supply

Splenic and pancreaticoduodenal arteries.

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Adrenal gland blood supply

Suprarenal arteries and veins.

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Thyroid hormone negative feedback

Hormones (T3 & T4) inhibit TRH and TSH production.

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Cortisol negative feedback

Inhibits CRH and ACTH production.

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Oxytocin Positive Feedback

Stimulates more contractions during childbirth.

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Hypothalamus

Regulates anterior pituitary activity.

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Hypothalamic Hormones

Anterior pituitary activity regulators.

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Study Notes

  • Endocrine System: study guide

Chemical Classification of Hormones and Receptors

  • Hormones are classified into steroid, non-steroid, and amino acid hormones

Steroid Hormones

  • Derived from cholesterol
  • Produced by adrenal glands and gonads
  • Because they're hydrophobic (non-polar), they require transport proteins to travel through the blood
  • Diffuse across the phospholipid membrane of target cells
  • They bind to intracellular receptors, activating genes in the nucleus

Non-Steroid Hormones

  • Includes peptides and proteins
  • They are hydrophilic, so they don't need transport proteins.
  • Bind to cell surface receptor proteins because they cannot pass through the cell membrane
  • They activate second messenger systems to alter gene expression

Amino Acid Hormones

  • They are derived from tyrosine
  • Examples include: thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).

Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus

  • These are key structures in the endocrine system

Hypothalamus

  • Regulates anterior pituitary activity
  • Monitors body temperature, metabolism, and electrolyte balance
  • Communicates via vascular and neural pathways

Hypothalamic Hormones

  • Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)
  • Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
  • Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
  • Somatostatin (GHIH) inhibits growth hormone
  • Dopamine (Prolactin-inhibiting hormone)

Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis)

  • Anterior Lobe (Adenohypophysis) is derived from oral ectoderm and produces growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL)
  • Posterior Lobe (Neurohypophysis) is derived from neural ectoderm, and stores and releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH/vasopressin) to regulate water balance and oxytocin to induce uterine contractions and lactation

Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

  • These glands are found in the neck

Thyroid Gland

  • It features two lobes connected by the isthmus
  • Located anterior to the trachea and inferior to the larynx
  • Produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) to regulate metabolism
  • Also produces calcitonin to reduces blood calcium levels

Parathyroid Glands

  • Four small glands located on the posterior thyroid
  • Secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclast activity

Pancreas

  • This organ has both digestive and hormonal roles.
  • It's a retroperitoneal organ with both exocrine (digestive enzymes) and endocrine functions
  • Divided into five parts: head, uncinate process, neck, body, and tail

Endocrine Function: Islets of Langerhans

  • Beta cells secrete insulin, which lowers blood sugar
  • Alpha cells secrete glucagon, which raises blood sugar
  • Delta cells secrete somatostatin, which inhibits GH and insulin
  • PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide

Adrenal Glands

  • Located on top of each kidney
  • They secrete steroid hormones and catecholamines

Adrenal Cortex (Three Zones)

  • Zona Glomerulosa secretes aldosterone to regulates sodium balance
  • Zona Fasciculata secretes cortisol for stress response
  • Zona Reticularis secretes androgens

Adrenal Medulla

  • Chromaffin cells secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine, key for sympathetic response

Blood Supply and Regulation of Endocrine Glands

  • Thyroid gland receives blood from the superior and inferior thyroid arteries
  • Parathyroid glands receive blood from the inferior thyroid arteries
  • The pancreas is supplied by the splenic and pancreaticoduodenal arteries
  • The adrenal glands are supplied by the suprarenal arteries and veins

Hormonal Feedback Mechanisms

  • Negative Feedback Loops: T3 and T4 inhibit TRH and TSH production, cortisol inhibits CRH and ACTH production, and PTH regulates blood calcium through bone resorption
  • Positive Feedback Loops: Oxytocin during childbirth stimulates more contractions

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