Endocrinology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is cholesterol primarily a precursor to?

Mineral hormones

Protein hormones

Carbohydrates

Steroid hormones (correct)

Which mechanism of hormone release is stimulated by the levels of ions or nutrients in the blood?

Humoral mechanism (correct)

Neural mechanism

Digestive mechanism

Hormonal mechanism

Which hormone is an example of a neural mechanism of hormone release?

Estrogen

Cortisol

Insulin

Oxytocin (correct)

What does the neuroendocrine system help regulate?

Reproduction and metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What type of hormones are secreted by neurons in the hypothalamus that influence the anterior pituitary gland?

Releasing and inhibiting hormones Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of sebaceous glands in the skin?

To secrete oil that lubricates and protects the skin Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate body functions?

Adrenal glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pancreas in the digestive system?

To release digestive enzymes and hormones for digestion and blood sugar regulation Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are primarily produced by the ovaries?

Estrogen and progesterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of sweat glands in the skin?

To release sweat for thermoregulation Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the hypothalamus?

Controls body temperature, hunger, and sleep Signup and view all the answers

Which system connects the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary?

Hypothalamic-Hypophysial Portal System (HHPS) Signup and view all the answers

What types of hormones does the hypothalamus synthesize and release?

Neurohormones and hypophysiotropic hormones Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is classified as a neurohormone released by the posterior pituitary?

Oxytocin Signup and view all the answers

Which of these axes is not part of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Cardiac (HPC) axis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of endocrine glands?

Secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is secreted by the pancreas as an endocrine hormone?

Insulin Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes exocrine glands from endocrine glands?

Exocrine glands use ducts to release substances. Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is primarily responsible for regulating growth and metabolism?

Pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is NOT produced by the exocrine glands of the pancreas?

Insulin Signup and view all the answers

How is the endocrine system primarily evaluated?

By measuring hormone concentrations Signup and view all the answers

What role do exocrine glands play in the body?

Secretion of substances into an organ or onto the body surface Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs an endocrine gland with its hormone?

Pancreas - Glucagon Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the release of Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)?

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Dopamine in the hypothalamic system?

Inhibits the secretion of Prolactin (PRL) Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothalamic hormone is primarily involved in the regulation of growth hormone secretion?

Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Somatostatin Release Inhibiting Factor (SRIF) have on growth hormone?

Inhibits growth hormone secretion Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of hormones does Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) stimulate the release of?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrinology

The study of hormone secretion, hormone action, and principles of feedback control.

Endocrine vs. Exocrine Glands

Endocrine glands are part of the endocrine system and secrete hormones.
Exocrine glands secrete substances through a duct, either into the body or onto its surface.

Pancreas

Contains both endocrine and exocrine functions.
Exocrine glands: Secrete enzymes like proteases, lipases and amylase.
Endocrine glands: Secrete hormones like insulin (beta cells) and glucagon (alpha cells).

Hormones

Derived from Greek for "to set in motion."
Cholesterol is a precursor to many important steroid hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.

Mechanisms of Hormone Release

Humoral: In response to changing levels of ions or nutrients in the blood (e.g. insulin).
Neural: Stimulation by nerves (e.g. oxytocin, ADH from the hypothalamus).
Hormonal: Stimulation received from other hormones (e.g. hypothalamic-pituitary axis).

Neuroendocrine System & Neurohormones

The neuroendocrine system is how the hypothalamus maintains homeostasis.
Regulates reproduction, metabolism, eating and drinking, energy utilization, osmolarity, and blood pressure.
Hypothalamus regulates pituitary functions.
Neurohormones are substances produced by neurosecretory cells of the nervous system.

Neurotransmitters vs. Neurohormones

Neurotransmitters: Act locally in the nervous system.
Neurohormones: Travel through the bloodstream to target cells.

Master Regulator – Pituitary Gland

Located at the base of the brain.
Responsible for producing a variety of hormones, including growth hormone and prolactin.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

Also known as the HPT, HPG, and HPA, depending on the target organs affected.
The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and target organs work together to regulate various bodily functions.

Hypothalamus Role

Control many fundamental physiological activities including body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and autonomic nervous system functions.
Interface between the endocrine and nervous systems.
Synthesize and release neurohormones into the circulatory system through the posterior pituitary.
Synthesize and release hypophysiotropic hormones (releasing hormones) into the hypophyseal portal blood system to regulate hormone release from the anterior pituitary.

Hypothalamic Releasing and Inhibiting Hormones

Releasing Hormones:
- CRH (Corticotropin Releasing Hormone): stimulates ACTH release.
- TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone): stimulates TSH release.
- GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone): stimulates FSH and LH release.
- GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone): stimulates GH release.
Inhibiting Hormones:
- MIH (Melanotropin-Inhibiting Hormone): inhibits MSH secretion.
- Dopamine: inhibits PRL secretion.
- SRIF (Somatostatin Release Inhibiting Factor): inhibits STH secretion.

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Description

Dive into the fascinating world of endocrinology, focusing on hormone secretion and action. Explore the differences between endocrine and exocrine glands, the dual functions of the pancreas, and the mechanisms of hormone release. Perfect for students looking to understand essential concepts in biology.