Endocrine System Overview and Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the endocrine system in maintaining homeostasis?

  • To provide rapid, short-term responses using electrical signals.
  • To regulate body temperature through direct nerve stimulation.
  • To transport nutrients and oxygen to various body parts.
  • To control body systems by producing and releasing hormones. (correct)

Which method primarily facilitates the endocrine system's control over bodily functions?

  • Regulation through physical connections between organs.
  • Secretion of chemical messengers into blood for transport. (correct)
  • Release of neurotransmitters directly onto target cells.
  • Direct transmission of electrical signals via neurons.

How does the endocrine system differ from the nervous system in controlling body functions?

  • The endocrine system acts quickly and has short-lived effects, while the nervous system is slower and has longer-lasting effects.
  • The endocrine system influences body functions through hormones released into the bloodstream, while the nervous system uses direct nerve connections. (correct)
  • The nervous system uses chemical signals, while the endocrine system uses electrical signals.
  • The endocrine system is responsible for conscious control of body functions while the nervous system is responsible for unconscious functions.

What is a key concept in understanding how hormones interact with their target cells?

<p>Hormones bind to specific receptors on or in the target cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do hormones typically travel within the body to reach their target cells?

<p>Dissolving in blood plasma and being transported throughout the circulatory system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a primary function of the endocrine system?

<p>Maintaining homeostasis of blood volume and composition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the type of tissue found in endocrine glands?

<p>Epithelial tissue that synthesizes and releases hormones (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a 'second messenger' in hormone action?

<p>To initiate biochemical events inside a cell after the first messenger binds to a receptor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options best describes synergistic hormonal interaction?

<p>When one hormone reinforces the activity of another hormone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The hypothalamus communicates with the anterior pituitary using which mechanism?

<p>The hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?

<p>To decrease urine production, stimulate thirst, and constrict blood vessels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a releasing hormone from the hypothalamus?

<p>Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of growth hormone (GH) on glycogenolysis?

<p>It stimulates the breakdown of glycogen into glucose (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells within the thyroid gland secrete calcitonin?

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

How does thyroid hormone (TH) affect the body's metabolic rate?

<p>It increases metabolic rate and protein synthesis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of a goiter?

<p>Insufficient dietary iodine intake (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is released by the adrenal medulla?

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

What is the function of mineralocorticoids?

<p>To regulate electrolyte levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cortisol affect blood glucose levels?

<p>It elevates blood glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis in the liver (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of hormone is prostaglandin?

<p>A local hormone (eicosanoid) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Endocrine vs Nervous System

The endocrine system uses hormones for slow but long-lasting control, while the nervous system uses electrical signals for rapid but short-lived responses.

Categories of Hormones

Hormones can be classified into steroid hormones, peptide hormones, and amine hormones, each with different functions and structures.

Hormone Transport in Blood

Hormones are transported in the bloodstream, either freely or bound to carrier proteins, to reach target cells.

Hormone Interaction with Cells

Hormones interact with target cells by binding to specific receptors, triggering a response that alters cell activity.

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Homeostasis and Endocrine Control

The endocrine system helps maintain homeostasis by regulating processes like metabolism, growth, and water balance through hormone secretion.

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Endocrine System

A system of ductless glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

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Hormones

Chemical messengers released by endocrine glands that affect target cells in the body.

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Target Cells

Cells that have specific receptors for a hormone, allowing them to respond to it.

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Hormonal Stimulation

Hormone release initiated when one hormone binds to a gland, stimulating it to release another hormone.

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Water-Soluble Hormones

Hormones that cannot cross the cell membrane and act via receptors on the exterior of target cells.

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Lipid-Soluble Hormones

Hormones that can easily diffuse across cell membranes and bind to receptors inside the cell.

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Thyroid Hormones

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

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Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels.

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Glucagon

A hormone produced by alpha cells of the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

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Insulin

A hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

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Adrenal Glands

Glands located above each kidney that release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

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Growth Hormone

A hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans.

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Cushing syndrome

A disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, leading to symptoms such as obesity and hypertension.

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Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions within the body, regulated by hormones.

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Study Notes

Endocrine System Lecture Outline

  • The endocrine system controls body functions.
  • It uses hormones to regulate various processes.
  • It differs from the nervous system in that actions are slower and longer lasting.

Overview of the Endocrine System

  • The endocrine system is made up of ductless glands.
  • Hormones are released into the blood.
  • Target cells have specific receptors, binding and responding to the hormone.
  • Hormones travel to target cells through the blood and interstitial fluid.

Comparison of Endocrine and Nervous Systems

  • Both systems use ligands (chemical messengers).
  • The endocrine system releases hormones into the blood, reaching targets throughout the body.
  • The nervous system directly targets specific cells.
  • Endocrine responses have longer reaction times and effects.

General Functions of the Endocrine System

  • Regulates development, growth, and metabolism.
  • Maintains homeostasis (blood composition and volume).
  • Influences digestive processes.

Types of Circulating Hormones

  • Steroids:
    • Lipid-soluble, derived from cholesterol.
    • Includes gonadal steroids and adrenal cortex steroids.
  • Biogenic Amines:
    • Modified amino acids.
    • Includes catecholamines and thyroid hormone.
  • Proteins:
    • Water-soluble, amino acid chains.

Local Hormones

  • Signaling molecules that don't circulate in the blood.

Stimulation of Hormone Synthesis and Release

  • Hormone release is regulated by hormonal, humoral, and nervous stimuli.
  • Hormonal stimulation: Another hormone triggers a gland cell to release hormones.
  • Humoral stimulation: Hormone release is induced by changes in blood levels of ions or nutrients.
  • Nervous system stimulation: A neuronal signal directly triggers hormone release.

Hormone Interactions

  • Hormones can interact with each other.
  • Synergistic interactions: Hormones work together, amplifying effectiveness.
  • Permissive interactions: One hormone is required for another's action.
  • Antagonistic interactions: Hormones have opposing actions.

Relationship of Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

  • The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland, which controls other endocrine organs.
  • The pituitary is divided into anterior and posterior lobes.
  • The posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones made by the hypothalamus.
  • The anterior pituitary releases hormones regulated by hypothalamic hormones.

Anterior Pituitary Hormones

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland.
  • Prolactin (PRL): Promotes milk production.
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal cortex.
  • Gonadotrophins (FSH and LH): Regulate reproductive function.
  • Growth hormone (GH): Stimulates growth.

Growth Hormone Regulation

  • Releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus regulate GH release.
  • Factors like age, nutrients, stress, and exercise affect GHRH and GHIH release.

Thyroid Hormone Regulation

  • The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis controls thyroid hormone release.
  • TSH stimulates the thyroid to release T3 and T4.
  • These hormones regulate metabolism.

Effects of Thyroid Hormone

  • Affects cellular transport, metabolism, and body temperature.

Regulation and Effects of Cortisol

  • The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulates cortisol release.
  • Cortisol affects blood glucose, metabolism, and response to stress.

Anatomy of the Pancreas

  • Pancreas has endocrine and exocrine functions.
  • Endocrine cells (islets of Langerhans) secrete hormones.
  • Alpha cells: Secrete glucagon.
  • Beta cells: Secrete insulin.

Pancreatic Hormones

  • Insulin: Lowers blood glucose.
  • Glucagon: Increases blood glucose.

Diabetes Mellitus

  • Group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia.
  • Insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin action.
  • Chronic elevation of blood glucose damages various tissues.

Pineal Gland

  • Located in the diencephalon.
  • Produces melatonin, regulating circadian rhythm

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