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Endocrine System and Hormonal Regulation

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Terms in this set (27)

  • What defines the endocrine system?
    The endocrine system consists of chemical messengers called hormones secreted into the bloodstream to stimulate responses in target tissues or organs.
  • Difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?
    Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream (no ducts), while exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts.
  • What are target cells in the endocrine system?
    Target cells have specific receptors for hormones, allowing them to respond to hormonal signals.
  • What are paracrines?
    Paracrines are local hormones secreted into tissue fluid that act on nearby cells, such as histamine in the pancreas and GI tract.
  • Role of the hypothalamus in endocrine regulation?
    The hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibitory hormones that regulate the anterior pituitary gland via the hypophyseal portal system.
  • What are the two parts of the pituitary gland and their origins?
    The adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary) arises from the pharynx, and the neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary) arises from the brain.
  • What are tropic hormones?
    Tropic hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary and regulate the function of other endocrine glands.
  • Function of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?
    FSH stimulates ovarian follicle development and estrogen production in females, and sperm production in males; it is key for sexual maturation.
  • Effects of hypersecretion and hyposecretion of FSH?
    Hypersecretion causes precocious puberty or early menopause; hyposecretion leads to failure of sexual maturity or infertility.
  • Major actions of Luteinizing Hormone (LH)?
    LH triggers ovulation and hormone production in ovaries; stimulates testosterone production in testes.
  • Consequences of abnormal LH secretion?
    Hypersecretion causes premature sexual maturity; hyposecretion results in inhibited sexual maturation and infertility.
  • Role of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)?
    TSH stimulates thyroid follicular cells to release thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism and growth.
  • Symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults (Myxedema)?
    Low metabolic rate, lethargy, weight gain, cold sensitivity, constipation, slow heart rate, and facial puffiness.
  • What causes endemic goiter?
    Dietary iodine deficiency leads to low thyroid hormone production, causing increased TSH secretion and thyroid gland enlargement.
  • Functions of adrenal cortex hormones?
    Mineralcorticoids regulate electrolytes; glucocorticoids like cortisol manage metabolism and inflammation; sex hormones influence secondary sex traits.
  • Effects of cortisol (stress hormone)?
    Increases blood sugar and pressure, stimulates fat and protein catabolism, and suppresses the immune system.
  • What is Cushing Syndrome?
    A condition caused by excess cortisol leading to muscle and bone loss, edema, moon face, buffalo hump, hyperglycemia, and hypertension.
  • Symptoms of Addison's Disease?
    Bronzed skin, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, dehydration, and inability to sustain stress due to cortisol deficiency.
  • Role of Prolactin (PRL)?
    PRL stimulates milk production in estrogen-primed mammary glands and influences nesting behavior.
  • What causes diabetes insipidus?
    Hyposecretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) leading to excessive urine output, dehydration, and inability to retain water.
  • Functions of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)?
    ADH promotes water reabsorption in kidneys, reduces urine volume, constricts arterioles to raise blood pressure, and inhibits sweat glands.
  • What is the feedback mechanism controlling pituitary hormone release?
    Negative feedback: increased target organ hormone levels inhibit tropic hormone release; positive feedback occurs during uterine contractions increasing oxytocin.
  • Major hormones produced by the anterior pituitary?
    Follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, and growth hormone.
  • What hormones are stored and released by the posterior pituitary?
    Oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), both produced by the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary.
  • Effects of oxytocin?
    Stimulates uterine contractions during labor, milk let-down during lactation, and may aid sperm transport and emotional bonding.
  • What is acromegaly?
    A condition caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone in adulthood, leading to thickening of bones in the jaw, brow, hands, and feet.
  • What is pituitary dwarfism?
    A condition caused by hyposecretion of growth hormone during childhood, resulting in abnormally short stature.