Endocrine System Overview Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the endocrine system?

  • Providing structural support to organs.
  • Maintaining homeostasis within the body. (correct)
  • Transporting oxygen through the blood.
  • Facilitating mechanical movement.

Which of the following best describes how hormones reach their target cells?

  • They are secreted into the bloodstream. (correct)
  • They are transported by neurons.
  • They diffuse through cellular membranes.
  • They bind to receptors on the gland that secreted them.

Which type of hormone is primarily derived from cholesterol?

  • Amino acid derivatives.
  • Steroids. (correct)
  • Polypeptides and proteins.
  • Glycoproteins.

What prevents lipophilic hormones from dissolving easily in blood?

<p>Their chemical composition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is classified as a glycoprotein?

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

What aspect of the endocrine system primarily regulates metabolism?

<p>Hormonal secretion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these gland types primarily secretes hormones into the bloodstream?

<p>Ductless glands. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might occur as a result of under-secretion of thyroid hormones?

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

What stimulates the secretion of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

<p>TRH from hypothalamus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for uterine contractions during childbirth?

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

What effect does the hormone melatonin have on the body?

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

What is one of the roles of growth hormone (GH) in the body?

<p>Stimulates tissue growth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles?

<p>Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)?

<p>Stimulates cortisol secretion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the secretion of prolactin primarily inhibited by?

<p>Dopamine (DA) from hypothalamus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the production of melatonin?

<p>Decreased light exposure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does an increase in renal activation of Vitamin D have on blood calcium levels?

<p>Increases intestinal absorption of Ca2+ (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for the decrease of blood calcium levels?

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

How is the secretion of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) primarily regulated?

<p>By the levels of blood Ca2+ (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of Vitamin D on the body?

<p>Increases intestinal absorption of Ca2+ and bone resorption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism does calcitonin use to lower plasma calcium levels?

<p>Decreases bone resorption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of insulin in the body?

<p>To promote cellular uptake and storage of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does glucagon affect blood glucose levels?

<p>It mobilizes energy-rich molecules from storage sites (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

<p>To act as a bridge converting electrical signals into chemical messages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following glands is part of the central endocrine system?

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

Which hormone is released in response to a rise in blood glucose levels?

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

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

<p>To increase blood calcium levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary communicate?

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

Which hormone released by the hypothalamus inhibits the secretion of growth hormone?

<p>Somatostatin (Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone; GHIH) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT promoted by insulin?

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

What role does the anterior pituitary play in the endocrine system?

<p>It releases hormones that control the activity of peripheral endocrine glands (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do incretins have on appetite when used as treatment for obesity?

<p>They decrease appetite. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone provides complementary actions to insulin by opposing its effects?

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

What is the function of hypothalamic releasing hormones?

<p>To stimulate the secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the communication between the hypothalamus and posterior pituitary is correct?

<p>It involves a direct nerve tract connection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a mechanism by which PTH increases plasma calcium levels?

<p>Increases bone resorption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the release of thyroid hormones?

<p>Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What regulates the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin in relation to blood calcium levels?

<p>Concentration of blood calcium ions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary function of the male gonads?

<p>Production of sperm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in target tissues?

<p>It is involved in developing secondary sexual characteristics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for promoting maturation of female reproductive organs?

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

What is one of the effects of testosterone on the body?

<p>Increases bone thickness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does oestrogen affect bone health?

<p>Reduces bone resorption (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a secondary sexual characteristic that testosterone promotes?

<p>Presence of facial hair (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to testosterone levels during puberty?

<p>They increase rapidly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the endocrine system?

The endocrine system is a network of ductless glands that release hormones into the bloodstream, affecting various bodily functions like metabolism, growth, and reproduction.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands. They travel through the bloodstream to target cells, triggering specific responses.

What is the role of the endocrine system in the body?

The endocrine system is a primary regulatory system in the body, working alongside the nervous system. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, or a stable internal environment.

How is the endocrine system organized?

The endocrine system can be divided into two main parts: the central endocrine glands (located in the brain) and the peripheral endocrine glands (located throughout the rest of the body).

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What are examples of amine hormones?

Catecholamines, like adrenaline and noradrenaline, are neurotransmitters involved in the fight-or-flight response. Melatonin, involved in sleep-wake cycles, and thyroid hormones, vital for metabolism, are also amine-based.

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What are examples of polypeptide hormones?

Polypeptides, proteins, and glycoproteins are chains of amino acids that act as hormones. Examples include TRH (thyroid releasing hormone), ADH (antidiuretic hormone), GH (growth hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and insulin, which regulate various processes like metabolism and growth.

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What are examples of steroid hormones?

Steroid hormones, derived from cholesterol, include cortisol (stress response), testosterone (male sex hormone), estradiol (female sex hormone), and progesterone. They regulate reproduction, metabolism, and stress responses.

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How do hormones differ in solubility?

Hydrophilic hormones (like thyroid hormones) are water-soluble and easily dissolve in blood, while lipophilic hormones (like steroid hormones) are fat-soluble and require transport proteins to move through the blood.

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Hypothalamus

A gland in the brain responsible for coordinating endocrine, behavioral, and autonomic nervous system functions. It acts as a bridge between the nervous and endocrine systems.

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Pituitary gland

The master regulator of the endocrine system, located in the brain. It secretes hormones that control the activity of other endocrine glands.

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Hypophyseal portal system

The connection between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland, allowing for the exchange of hormones.

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Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release growth hormone.

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Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

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Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

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Somatostatin (Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone; GHIH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that inhibits the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary.

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Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce its own hormones.

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Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that controls the growth and development of the adrenal cortex.

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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males.

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Luteinizing hormone (LH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates the testes to produce testosterone in males.

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Prolactin (PRL)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that plays a role in breast development and milk production in females.

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Vasopressin (ADH)

A hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland that regulates water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.

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Oxytocin

A hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

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Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the body's circadian rhythm.

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How does PTH affect blood calcium levels through renal reabsorption?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases renal reabsorption of calcium, leading to higher blood calcium levels.

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How does PTH indirectly influence blood calcium levels via vitamin D?

PTH stimulates the kidney to activate vitamin D, which in turn enhances intestinal absorption of calcium, increasing blood calcium levels.

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What is the role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis?

Calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, has the opposite effect of PTH. It lowers blood calcium levels by reducing bone resorption, meaning less calcium is released from bones into the bloodstream.

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What is the primary mechanism by which vitamin D affects blood calcium levels?

Vitamin D's primary action on blood calcium levels is boosting intestinal absorption, leading to higher levels of calcium in the blood.

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What are the secondary actions of vitamin D on blood calcium levels?

Vitamin D can also promote bone resorption, releasing calcium into the blood, and suppress PTH production through a negative feedback loop.

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Renal Calcium Reabsorption

The process by which calcium ions are reabsorbed from the filtrate back into the bloodstream within the nephron.

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Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption, calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and calcium absorption from the gut.

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Calcitonin

A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting calcium deposition into bone.

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Testes

The male gonads, which produce sperm and testosterone.

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Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production that occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

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Testosterone

The main male sex hormone, produced by Leydig cells in the testes, responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive functions.

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Ovaries

The female gonads, which produce eggs (ova) and estrogen and progesterone.

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Oogenesis

The process of egg cell development that occurs in the ovaries.

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Somatostatin

A peptide hormone secreted by delta cells in the pancreas. It helps regulate blood glucose levels by inhibiting the release of insulin and glucagon.

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Insulin

A hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells that plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels in the blood. It promotes the uptake and storage of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids by cells, reducing blood sugar.

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Glucagon

A hormone secreted by pancreatic alpha cells that increases blood glucose levels. Glucagon does this by promoting the breakdown of glycogen, the release of glucose from the liver, and the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

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Glycogenesis

The process by which glucose is converted into glycogen, the storage form of glucose in the liver and muscles. Insulin promotes this process.

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Glycogenolysis

The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. Glucagon promotes this process.

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Gluconeogenesis

The process by which the body produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol. Glucagon promotes this process.

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Lipolysis

The breakdown of fat (triglycerides) into free fatty acids. This process is stimulated by glucagon and inhibited by insulin.

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Protein Synthesis

The process of building proteins from amino acids. Insulin promotes this process, while glucagon inhibits it.

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Study Notes

Endocrine System Overview

  • The endocrine system comprises specialized ductless glands and neurosecretory cells, releasing hormones into the bloodstream to act on distant target cells.
  • Hormones regulate metabolism, growth, development, and reproduction.
  • The endocrine system works closely with the nervous system to maintain homeostasis.

Endocrine Functions

  • Regulates and integrates body functions including cellular metabolism, fluid balance, and growth.
  • Adapts the body to various challenges and stressful situations.
  • Regulates the circulatory and digestive systems.

Endocrine Hormone Classification

  • Amines (Amino Acid Derivatives): E.g., norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, melatonin, T3, T4 (thyroid hormones).
  • Polypeptides/Proteins: E.g., TRH, ADH, GH, FSH, Insulin.
  • Steroids: E.g., cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, derived from cholesterol.

Hormone Synthesis and Transport

  • Hydrophilic hormones (peptides/proteins & amines): Synthesized in ribosomes and packaged into vesicles. Released directly into the bloodstream.
  • Hydrophobic hormones (steroid & thyroid): Synthesized in the smooth ER. Released directly into the bloodstream without carriers.

Hormone Control

  • Timing/Pattern: Pulsatile or cyclical (diurnal/circadian rhythm).
  • Negative Feedback Control: End-product inhibition regulates hormone release.
  • Hormonal Signaling: Target cell receptors specific to each hormone, leading to characteristic cellular responses.

Endocrine Disorders

  • Hyposecretion: Endocrine gland secretes too little hormone.
  • Hypersecretion: Endocrine gland secretes too much hormone.
  • Abnormal Target Cell Responsiveness: Defects in receptors or response mechanisms.

Anatomical Divisions

  • Central Endocrine Glands: Located in the brain (hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal glands).
  • Peripheral Endocrine Glands: Located outside the brain (thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads).

Major Peripheral Endocrine Glands

  • Hypothalamus: Regulates pituitary function via releasing and inhibiting hormones.
  • Pituitary Gland: Anterior pituitary secretes tropic hormones (TSH, ACTH, GH, LH, FSH, PRL). Posterior pituitary stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH).
  • Pineal Gland: Secretes melatonin, regulating circadian rhythms.
  • Thyroid Gland: Secretes thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), regulating metabolism.
  • Parathyroid Glands: Secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH), regulating calcium homeostasis.
  • Adrenal Glands: Cortex secretes steroid hormones (mineralocorticoids like aldosterone, glucocorticoids like cortisol, androgens like DHEA). Medulla secretes catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).
  • Endocrine Pancreas: Secretes insulin and glucagon, regulating blood glucose levels.
  • Gonads (Testes/Ovaries): Testes secrete testosterone, while ovaries secrete estrogen and progesterone; both involved in reproduction.

Hormones of the Anterior Pituitary

  • TSH: Thyroid-stimulating hormone
  • ACTH: Adrenocorticotropic hormone
  • GH: Growth hormone
  • LH: Luteinizing hormone
  • FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone
  • PRL: Prolactin

Posterior Pituitary Hormones

  • Vasopressin (ADH): Antidiuretic hormone; regulates water balance.
  • Oxytocin: Stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Pineal Gland Hormone

  • Melatonin: Regulates circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones

  • Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone): Regulates electrolyte balance.
  • Glucocorticoids (cortisol): Regulates metabolism and stress response.
  • Sex Hormones (DHEA): Supplement gonadal sex steroid hormones.

Adrenal Medulla Hormones

  • Catecholamines (epinephrine/norepinephrine): Involved in the "fight-or-flight" response.

Endocrine Pancreas Hormones

  • Insulin: Promotes glucose uptake and storage.
  • Glucagon: Antagonist to insulin, promoting glucose release.

Hormones Involved in Calcium Homeostasis

  • PTH: Regulates calcium levels; increases release of calcium from bones.
  • Vitamin D: Activates to increase calcium absorption from intestines.
  • Calcitonin: Lowers serum calcium.

Gonadal Hormones

  • Testosterone (Testes): Supports male reproductive function and secondary sexual characteristics.
  • Estrogens & Progesterone (Ovaries): Support female reproductive function and secondary sexual characteristics.

Hormonal Interactions

  • Multiple hormones often act in concert to regulate physiological processes via a myriad of interactions, pathways and feedback loops.

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Test your knowledge of the endocrine system with this quiz. Explore key concepts such as hormone functions, gland roles, and metabolic regulation. Perfect for students studying human biology or health sciences.

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