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Endocrine System - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (21)

  • Major functions of the endocrine system

    The endocrine system regulates growth, metabolism, reproduction, and homeostasis by releasing hormones into the bloodstream to target cells.

  • Define hormone

    A hormone is a chemical messenger secreted by endocrine glands that travels through the blood to affect target cells.

  • Define endocrine gland

    An endocrine gland is a ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.

  • Define endocrine tissue (organ)

    Endocrine tissue or organ contains cells that produce hormones but may have other functions as well, e.g., pancreas or kidney.

  • Define target cell

    A target cell has specific receptors for a hormone and responds to that hormone's signal.

  • Compare nervous and endocrine system control

    The nervous system uses electrical impulses for rapid, short-term control; the endocrine system uses hormones for slower, long-lasting regulation.

  • Major chemical classes of hormones

    Hormones are classified as amino acid derivatives, peptides/proteins, and steroids.

  • Transport of hormone classes in blood

    Amino acid and peptide hormones are water-soluble and travel freely; steroid hormones are lipid-soluble and travel bound to carrier proteins.

  • Types of hormone receptors

    Water-soluble hormones bind to cell membrane receptors; lipid-soluble hormones bind to intracellular receptors in the cytoplasm or nucleus.

  • Mechanism of hormone action by class

    Water-soluble hormones activate second messenger systems; lipid-soluble hormones directly affect gene transcription.

  • Stimuli controlling hormone secretion

    Hormone release is controlled by humoral, neural, and hormonal stimuli.

  • Role of negative feedback in hormone release

    Negative feedback decreases hormone secretion when levels reach a set point to maintain homeostasis.

  • Role of positive feedback in hormone release

    Positive feedback increases hormone secretion to amplify a response, e.g., oxytocin during childbirth.

  • Anatomical relationship: hypothalamus and pituitary glands

    The hypothalamus connects to the anterior pituitary via the hypophyseal portal system and to the posterior pituitary via neural connections.

  • Define releasing hormone

    Releasing hormones from the hypothalamus stimulate the anterior pituitary to secrete specific hormones.

  • Define inhibiting hormone

    Inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus suppress anterior pituitary hormone secretion.

  • Define tropic hormone

    Tropic hormones are anterior pituitary hormones that regulate hormone secretion by other endocrine glands.

  • Hypothalamus role in anterior pituitary hormone release

    The hypothalamus secretes releasing and inhibiting hormones into the portal system to control anterior pituitary hormone secretion.

  • Hypothalamus role in posterior pituitary hormone release

    The hypothalamus produces oxytocin and ADH, which are transported and released by the posterior pituitary.

  • Identify hormone-producing glands

    Key glands include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, testes, ovaries, pancreas, kidney, thymus, heart, and placenta.

  • Hormone source, stimulus, and action

    Each hormone has a specific source gland, a stimulus for release, and a target effect on the body.