Endocrine System: Chapter 17 Overview Quiz

Hormone Functions

• Prolactin is responsible for preparing the breasts for lactation.
• Estrogen's primary function is to stimulate the growth of the female reproductive system and the development of female secondary sex characteristics.
• Erythropoietin stimulates erythrocyte production in the bone marrow.
• Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) released by the heart helps regulate blood pressure and volume.
• Relaxin is responsible for softening the pubic symphysis in preparation for birth.
• Glucagon primarily stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in terms of metabolism.
• Osteocalcin is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism.
• A decrease in leptin levels affects dopamine levels.
• Menopause is characterized by a decline in estrogen levels.
• The production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone declines with age.
• Steroid hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, are derived from the lipid cholesterol.
• Autocrine signaling involves a chemical that elicits a response in the same cell.
• Oxytocin stimulates uterine contraction and dilation of the cervix.
• Downregulation is the process by which cells decrease receptors and become less reactive to excessive hormone levels.
• Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) is responsible for melanin production in response to UV light or pregnancy.
• Gonadotropins, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), regulate the function of gonads.

Thyroid Hormone

• Thyroid hormone increases heart rate, blood pressure, and contractility.

Adrenal Cortex

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol.

Lactation

• Prolactin stimulates lactation, only during pregnancy.

Calcium Balance

• Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is responsible for maintaining calcium balance through bone, kidneys, and intestines.

Hormone Sensitivity

• Upregulation is the process by which cells increase their receptors and become more sensitive to hormones.

Chemical Signaling

• Paracrine signaling involves a chemical that communicates to other local cells.
• Endocrine signaling involves long-distance communication to maintain homeostasis.

Test your knowledge on the overview of the endocrine system in Chapter 17. This quiz covers long-distance communication, hormone secretion, types of chemical signaling, and the distinction from the exocrine system.