Hormones Classification Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is an endocrine gland?

A gland that secretes products via a duct

A type of exocrine gland

A gland that does not produce any hormones

A ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the blood stream (correct)

What is an endocrine hormone?

A chemical substance produced by an endocrine gland and secreted directly into the blood.

Which of the following is an exocrine gland?

A gland that targets distant organs

A gland that secretes hormones into the bloodstream

A gland that secretes its product via a duct (correct)

A gland that does not have ducts

What are target organ cells?

Cells having specific receptors that react with specific hormones or other signaling substances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a second messenger?

Intracellular signals acting within the plasma membrane, translating messages from the environment to cellular responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is autocrine signaling?

Signal that binds to receptors on the same cell that secretes it Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes endocrine signaling?

Endocrine cells release hormones that act on distant target cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hormone?

A chemical substance released into the blood by an organ or tissue that has a specific effect on target tissue. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a classification of hormones based on chemical structure?

Carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What are steroids derived from?

Cholesterol. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of steroid hormones?

They exert their action by passing through the plasma membrane and binding to intracellular receptors. Signup and view all the answers

What are proteins in the context of hormones?

Hormones consisting of 3-200 amino acid chains. Signup and view all the answers

What do peptides include?

Insulin, glucagon, parathyroid hormone, human growth hormone, and prolactin. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are considered glycoproteins?

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) Signup and view all the answers

What are amines in the context of hormones?

Derivatives of the amino acid tyrosine, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and thyroid hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What is epinephrine commonly known as?

Adrenaline. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of dopamine?

Involved in behavior, cognition, motor activity, and mood regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What do thyroid hormones affect?

Body temperature, growth, and heart rate. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the hypothalamus located?

Inferior to the thalamus and just above the brain stem. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrine System Overview

Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, affecting target organs with specific receptors.
Hormones are chemical substances released by endocrine glands into the blood that trigger specific responses in target tissues.

Gland Types

Exocrine glands secrete products via ducts onto surfaces, unlike endocrine glands which release hormones into the bloodstream.
Target organs/cells possess specific receptors to interact with hormones, antigens, antibodies, and other substances.

Signaling Mechanisms

Autocrine signaling occurs when a cell secretes a hormone that binds to its own receptors, influencing its activity.
Paracrine signaling involves hormones affecting nearby cells without entering the bloodstream, acting within local tissues.
Endocrine signaling entails hormone release by endocrine cells to act on distant target cells.

Hormonal Structure Classification

Hormones are classified into three chemical types: steroids, proteins, and amines, each with unique target tissues and mechanisms of action.

Steroid Hormones

Steroids are derived from cholesterol, produced by adrenal glands, gonads, and placenta, and are lipid-soluble, circulating bound to carrier proteins.
They exert effects by passing through the plasma membrane and binding to intracellular receptors, including sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and adrenal hormones (aldosterone, cortisol).

Protein Hormones

Protein hormones consist of 3-200 amino acid chains, are water-soluble, and released as needed without carrier proteins.
Examples include peptides like insulin, glucagon, parathyroid hormone (PTH), human growth hormone (hGH), and prolactin (PRL).

Glycoprotein Hormones

Glycoprotein hormones include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Amine Hormones

Amines are derived from the amino acid tyrosine, encompassing catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) and thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine [T3] and thyroxine [T4]).

Key Hormones and Functions

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a fight-or-flight hormone that prepares the body for emergencies.
Dopamine is a neurohormone influencing behavior, cognition, and bodily functions, including inhibition of prolactin during lactation.
Thyroid Hormones: T3 is the most potent, affecting metabolism, growth, and heart rate; T4 plays a role in metabolic processes and physical development.

Hypothalamus

Located beneath the thalamus and above the brainstem, the hypothalamus is crucial in regulating various endocrine functions.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards focused on the classification of hormones and the role of endocrine glands. Each card highlights key terms and definitions essential for understanding the endocrine system. Perfect for students learning about biology and human physiology.