Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following glands is responsible for synthesizing steroid hormones?
Which of the following glands is responsible for synthesizing steroid hormones?
What is the primary function of a prohormone?
What is the primary function of a prohormone?
What is the term for the time it takes for the concentration of a hormone in the blood to be reduced by half?
What is the term for the time it takes for the concentration of a hormone in the blood to be reduced by half?
What type of hormone stimulates the growth of tissues and the release of other hormones?
What type of hormone stimulates the growth of tissues and the release of other hormones?
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What is the term for the decrease in the number of receptors on the surface of target cells, making them less sensitive to the hormone?
What is the term for the decrease in the number of receptors on the surface of target cells, making them less sensitive to the hormone?
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Which of the following is an example of a synergist hormone?
Which of the following is an example of a synergist hormone?
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What is the term for the dysfunction that originates in the endocrine gland itself?
What is the term for the dysfunction that originates in the endocrine gland itself?
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Which of the following hormones is released by the posterior pituitary?
Which of the following hormones is released by the posterior pituitary?
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What is the primary function of the enzyme Aromatase?
What is the primary function of the enzyme Aromatase?
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What is the primary cause of Acromegaly?
What is the primary cause of Acromegaly?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Cushing Syndrome?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Cushing Syndrome?
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Which of the following is an example of secondary pathology?
Which of the following is an example of secondary pathology?
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What is the primary function of the Gate Control Model?
What is the primary function of the Gate Control Model?
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What is the primary function of the cochlea in the ear?
What is the primary function of the cochlea in the ear?
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What determines the pitch of sound waves?
What determines the pitch of sound waves?
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Which of the following is NOT a part of the taste pathway?
Which of the following is NOT a part of the taste pathway?
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Study Notes
Steroid Hormone Synthesis and Receptor Binding
- Steroid hormones are synthesized in the adrenal cortex, gonads (testes and ovaries), and placenta.
- When a steroid hormone binds to its receptor, the hormone-receptor complex translocates to the cell nucleus, acting as a transcription factor to regulate gene expression.
Prohormone Definition
- A prohormone is a precursor to a hormone, usually an inactive molecule that requires conversion into its active form.
- Peptide hormones are often synthesized as prohormones.
Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus
Anterior Pituitary
- Produces hormones like ACTH, TSH, GH, PRL, FSH, and LH.
Posterior Pituitary
- Releases oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH).
Hypothalamus
- Produces releasing and inhibiting hormones (e.g., TRH, CRH, GnRH) that control the anterior pituitary.
- Produces oxytocin and vasopressin, which are stored in the posterior pituitary.
Half-Life of a Hormone
- The half-life of a hormone is the time it takes for the concentration of the hormone in the blood to be reduced by half.
Upregulation and Downregulation of Receptors
- Upregulation: Increase in the number of receptors on the surface of target cells, making them more sensitive to the hormone.
- Downregulation: Decrease in the number of receptors, making the target cells less sensitive to the hormone.
Trophic, Permissive, Antagonist, and Synergist Hormones
- Trophic: Hormones that stimulate the growth of tissues and the release of other hormones (e.g., TSH).
- Permissive: One hormone enhances the effect of another (e.g., thyroid hormones enhance the effects of catecholamines).
- Antagonists: Hormones that have opposite effects (e.g., insulin and glucagon).
- Synergists: Hormones that work together to produce a greater effect (e.g., glucagon and epinephrine on blood glucose levels).
Primary and Secondary Pathologies in Endocrine Glands
- Primary Pathology: Dysfunction originates in the endocrine gland itself.
- Secondary Pathology: Dysfunction originates in the pituitary gland.
Action of Enzyme Aromatase
- Aromatase converts androgens (e.g., testosterone) into estrogens (e.g., estradiol).
Grave's Disease
- Caused by an autoimmune disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Acromegaly, Dwarfism, and Gigantism
- Acromegaly: Caused by excessive growth hormone in adults.
- Dwarfism: Often caused by insufficient growth hormone.
- Gigantism: Caused by excessive growth hormone in children.
Cushing Syndrome and Addison's Disease
- Cushing Syndrome: Caused by excessive cortisol.
- Addison's Disease: Caused by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone.
Primary and Secondary Hypothyroidism
- Primary Hypothyroidism: Thyroid gland dysfunction.
- Secondary Hypothyroidism: Pituitary gland dysfunction.
Genomic Effects of Hormones
- Hormones can alter gene expression, typically a slow process.
Pain
- Referred Pain: Pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus, often due to shared nerve pathways.
- Gate Control Model: Theory that suggests the spinal cord contains a neurological "gate" that can block or allow pain signals to pass to the brain.
Taste Pathways
- Taste receptors → Cranial nerves (VII, IX, X) → Medulla → Thalamus → Gustatory cortex.
Pitch, Frequency, and Loudness of Sound
- Pitch: Perception of frequency.
- Frequency: Number of sound wave cycles per second (Hz).
- Loudness: Perception of sound intensity, measured in decibels (dB).
Distinguishing Sound Waves
- We distinguish sound waves by their frequency and amplitude.
General Anatomy of the Ear and Eye
Ear
- Outer ear (pinna, auditory canal)
- Middle ear (ossicles: malleus, incus, stapes)
- Inner ear (cochlea, semicircular canals)
Eye
- Cornea
- Lens
- Retina
- Optic nerve
- Macula
- Fovea
Frequency Determination in Ear
- The cochlea has hair cells tuned to specific frequencies, translating sound waves into electrical signals.
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Description
Learn about the synthesis of steroid hormones and their binding to receptors, as well as the concept of prohormones and their conversion to active forms.
