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Endocrine System - Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

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Terms in this set (21)

  • What do endocrine cells do?

    Endocrine cells secrete hormones into the bloodstream, which act as chemical messengers to regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, blood glucose, and homeostasis.

  • What is down-regulation in hormone signaling?

    Down-regulation is when target cells decrease hormone receptors or responsiveness, reducing hormone effects.

  • How does down-regulation relate to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes?

    Cells become less responsive to insulin, causing high blood glucose. The pancreas compensates by releasing more insulin, but eventually cannot maintain control, contributing to Type 2 diabetes.

  • Which organ is involved in the most complex endocrine response?

    The hypothalamus connects the nervous and endocrine systems and controls the pituitary gland through releasing and inhibiting hormones.

  • Name the six hormones released by the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary).

    Growth hormone (GH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Prolactin (PRL).

  • What is the function of Growth Hormone (GH)?

    GH promotes body growth and affects metabolism.

  • What does Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) do?

    TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

  • What is the role of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)?

    ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release corticosteroids.

  • What does Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promote?

    FSH supports egg development in ovaries and sperm production in testes.

  • What is the function of Luteinizing hormone (LH)?

    LH triggers ovulation and stimulates sex hormone production.

  • Which hormone stimulates milk production?

    Prolactin (PRL) stimulates milk production in mammary glands.

  • Difference between Prolactin and Oxytocin in lactation?

    Prolactin produces milk, while oxytocin causes milk ejection (let-down reflex).

  • What are peptide hormones?

    Hormones made of amino acid chains, water-soluble, bind to cell membrane receptors, and activate second messenger systems. Examples: insulin, GH, prolactin, ADH.

  • Which hormones are stored and released by the posterior pituitary?

    ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin are stored and released by the posterior pituitary but produced in the hypothalamus.

  • What are common signs of hypothyroidism?

    Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, hair thinning, slow heart rate, difficulty concentrating, depression, and puffy face.

  • What cells secrete thyroxine and calcitonin?

    Follicular cells of the thyroid secrete thyroxine (T4), and parafollicular (C) cells secrete calcitonin.

  • What is the main function of thyroxine (T4)?

    Thyroxine increases metabolic activity and supports growth and development.

  • What is the role of calcitonin?

    Calcitonin lowers blood calcium levels mainly by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

  • What is the memory trick for the six anterior pituitary hormones?

    FLAT PiG: FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, Prolactin, Growth hormone.

  • How does insulin normally regulate blood glucose?

    Insulin signals cells to take glucose from the blood, lowering blood glucose levels.

  • What happens in insulin resistance at the cellular level?

    Cells become less responsive to insulin signaling, reducing glucose uptake despite insulin presence.