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Endocrine System and Hormones - Anatomy & Physiology

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  • What is a hormone?

    A hormone is a chemical messenger secreted by endocrine glands that regulates physiological processes in target cells or organs.

  • What are the two main types of hormones?

    Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble and derived from cholesterol; amino acid-based hormones include peptides and proteins and are water-soluble.

  • What is humoral stimulation in endocrine glands?

    Humoral stimulation occurs when changing blood levels of ions or nutrients directly stimulate hormone release.

  • What is neural stimulation of endocrine glands?

    Neural stimulation involves nerve fibers stimulating hormone release, such as sympathetic nervous system activation of the adrenal medulla.

  • What is hormonal stimulation in endocrine glands?

    Hormonal stimulation occurs when one hormone triggers the release of another hormone from a different gland.

  • What hormones are secreted by the hypothalamus?

    The hypothalamus secretes releasing and inhibiting hormones that regulate the anterior pituitary, and also produces oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stored in the posterior pituitary.

  • What hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary?

    The anterior pituitary secretes growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin.

  • What hormones are secreted by the posterior pituitary?

    The posterior pituitary releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which are produced by the hypothalamus.

  • What hormones are secreted by the pancreas?

    The pancreas secretes insulin from beta cells and glucagon from alpha cells to regulate blood glucose levels.

  • What hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland?

    The thyroid gland secretes thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin, which regulate metabolism and calcium levels.

  • What is gigantism?

    Gigantism is excessive growth due to overproduction of growth hormone (GH) before puberty.

  • What is acromegaly?

    Acromegaly is excessive growth hormone secretion after puberty, causing enlargement of bones in hands, feet, and face.

  • What is pituitary dwarfism?

    Pituitary dwarfism is growth retardation caused by insufficient growth hormone secretion during childhood.

  • What is diabetes mellitus?

    Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterized by insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance, leading to high blood glucose.

  • What is Graves disease?

    Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism and symptoms like goiter and bulging eyes.

  • What is Addison’s disease?

    Addison’s disease is adrenal insufficiency causing low cortisol and aldosterone, leading to fatigue and low blood pressure.

  • What is cretinism?

    Cretinism is congenital hypothyroidism causing stunted physical and mental growth in infants.

  • What is myxedema?

    Myxedema is severe hypothyroidism in adults causing swelling, fatigue, and weight gain.

  • What is Cushing’s disease?

    Cushing’s disease results from excess cortisol due to overproduction of ACTH, causing weight gain and high blood pressure.