Endocrine System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of tropic hormones?

To stimulate target glands to produce their own hormones (correct)

To absorb nutrients in the digestive tract

To regulate blood glucose levels

To initiate the production of enzymes

Which type of diabetes results from the pancreas not producing insulin due to immune system attacks?

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes Type II

Diabetes Type I (correct)

What distinguishes exocrine glands from endocrine glands?

Exocrine glands secrete substances directly into ducts (correct)

Endocrine glands have a ductal system

Exocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream

Exocrine glands produce hormones for systemic effects

Which of the following hormones is classified as a glucocorticoid?

Cortisol Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism describes the action of protein hormones?

They react with surface receptors to initiate rapid responses Signup and view all the answers

What role do prostaglandins play in the body?

They affect several bodily functions including inflammation and pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of negative feedback in hormonal regulation?

It prevents an excessive response to a stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex?

Aldosterone, estrogen, and cortisol Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary forms of thyroid hormone?

T3 and T4 Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is primarily caused by maternal hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency?

Cretinism Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable symptom of hyperthyroidism?

Exophthalmos Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is primarily regulated by calcium levels in the blood?

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for Type 1 diabetes?

Insulin therapy Signup and view all the answers

What metabolic condition is associated with excessive levels of ketones in the blood?

Metabolic Acidosis Signup and view all the answers

What stimulates the release of calcitonin from the thyroid gland?

Elevated blood calcium levels Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is responsible for controlling the adenohypophysis?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Adrenal Glands

Produces Mineralocorticoids, Gonadocorticoids, and Glucocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids: Aldosterone, regulate electrolyte balance
Gonadocorticoids: Estrogen and Testosterone, influence sexual development
Glucocorticoids: Cortisol, regulates glucose levels, metabolism, long term stress, and gluconeogenesis

Tropic Hormones

Tropic hormones target other endocrine glands, stimulating them to produce their own hormones
Examples:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Growth hormone (GH)
- Prolactin (PRL)

Diabetes Insipidus vs. Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Insipidus:
- Normal blood glucose levels
- Kidneys can't concentrate urine due to low levels of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
- Symptom: Polyuria (frequent urination)
Diabetes Mellitus Type 1:
- Pancreas does not produce insulin
- Immune system attacks pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production
- Symptom: Polyuria (frequent urination), Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2:
- Pancreas produces less insulin, or the body becomes resistant to insulin
- Symptom: Polyuria (frequent urination), Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
- Potentially reversible
All three types of diabetes share the symptom of Polyuria (frequent urination)

Exocrine vs. Endocrine Glands

Exocrine glands: Secrete substances into a ductal system that leads to an epithelial tissue outside the body
Endocrine glands: Secrete products directly into the bloodstream

Prostaglandins

Affect several bodily functions, including inflammation and pain

Hormone Mechanisms of Activation

Protein Hormones:
- Bind to receptors on the cell surface
- Activate G-protein
- Activate Adenylcyclase (enzyme)
- Catalyze ATP conversion to cAMP (second messenger)
- cAMP activates Protein Kinase
- Relatively rapid action
Steroid Hormones:
- Enter the cell
- Bind to receptors in the nucleus
- Activate new genes
- New proteins are synthesized
- Relatively slow action

Positive vs. Negative Feedback

Negative Feedback: Prevents excessive response to a stimulus
Positive Feedback: Intensifies the response until an endpoint is reached

Thyroid Hormone

Thyroid Hormone controls metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions
Two forms:
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
- Thyroxine (T4)

Cretinism and Pituitary Dwarfism

Cretinism: Caused by maternal hypothyroidism, often due to iodine deficiency
Pituitary Dwarfism:
- Caused by brain tumors, diseases affecting pituitary or hypothalamus
- Head trauma, radiation therapy, or autoimmune conditions like lymphocytic hypophysitis
- Reduced Growth Hormone (GH)

Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism:
- Thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone
- Symptoms: muscle weakness, trouble sleeping, irregular heartbeat, etc.
- Exophthalmos (bulging of the eyes)
Hypothyroidism:
- Thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone
- Symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, joint/muscle pain, puffy face, etc.

PTH, Calcitonin, Glucagon, and Insulin

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): Levels are controlled by a feedback loop based on calcium levels in the blood
Calcitonin: Thyroid gland releases Calcitonin based on calcium levels in the blood. High calcium levels trigger release, lowering calcium levels.
Glucagon: Released based on circulating glucose levels, increasing glucose levels
Insulin: Released based on plasma glucose concentration, decreasing glucose levels when high

Gluconeogenesis

Process of generating glucose from breakdown products of lipids, proteins, or its original components
Occurs when glucose supply is low

Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

Hypothalamus: Controls secretions of the Adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary)
Neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary): Structural foundation for neurohumoral system coordinating fluid balance and reproductive function

Ketoacidosis

Occurs when blood becomes acidic due to high ketone levels
Caused by a lack of insulin (characteristic of Type 1 Diabetes)
Leads to Metabolic Acidosis

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Description

This quiz covers essential aspects of the endocrine system, including the functions of adrenal glands and various tropic hormones. Additionally, it distinguishes between Diabetes Insipidus and Diabetes Mellitus. Test your knowledge on hormones, their functions, and the regulatory mechanisms involved.