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Endocrine System and Hormones - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (29)

  • What defines the endocrine system?
    The endocrine system consists of chemical messengers called hormones secreted into the bloodstream to stimulate responses in other 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.
  • Role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system
    The hypothalamus forms the floor and walls of the third ventricle and controls many functions via the pituitary gland.
  • Difference between adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis
    Adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary) arises from the pharynx and produces hormones; neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary) arises from the brain and stores/releases hypothalamic hormones.
  • What are tropic hormones?
    Tropic hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary and influence other endocrine tissues.
  • Functions of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
    In females, FSH stimulates ovarian follicle development and estrogen production; in males, it stimulates sperm production.
  • Effects of hypersecretion and hyposecretion of FSH
    Hypersecretion causes precocious puberty or early menopause; hyposecretion causes failure of sexual maturity or infertility.
  • Functions of Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
    In females, LH triggers ovulation and stimulates estrogen and progesterone production; in males, it stimulates testosterone production.
  • Thyroid gland structure and hormone production
    The thyroid gland has follicles lined with follicular cells that produce T3 and T4 thyroid hormones requiring iodine; it also secretes calcitonin to lower blood calcium.
  • Effects of thyroid hormones
    Thyroid hormones increase basal metabolic rate, oxygen consumption, respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, and stimulate growth.
  • Symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults (Myxedema)
    Low metabolic rate, lethargy, weight gain, cold sensitivity, constipation, slow heart rate, and facial puffiness.
  • Causes and symptoms of Grave's disease
    Autoantibodies mimic TSH causing hyperthyroidism with weight loss, heat intolerance, anxiety, bulging eyes, and goiter.
  • Adrenal cortex hormone types and functions
    Produces mineralocorticoids (aldosterone for electrolyte balance), glucocorticoids (cortisol for metabolism and anti-inflammation), and sex hormones (androgens and estrogens).
  • Role of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
    ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol, which increases blood sugar, blood pressure, and suppresses the immune system.
  • Symptoms of Cushing syndrome (ACTH hypersecretion)
    Muscle and bone loss, edema, moon face, buffalo hump, hyperglycemia, and hypertension.
  • Symptoms of Addison's disease (ACTH hyposecretion)
    Bronzed skin, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, dehydration, and inability to sustain stress.
  • Major action of Prolactin (PRL)
    Stimulates milk production in estrogen-primed mammary glands and promotes nesting behavior.
  • Functions of Growth Hormone (GH)
    Promotes growth of bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat; stimulates protein synthesis and lipolysis.
  • Effects of GH hypersecretion in childhood and adulthood
    Childhood: gigantism with excessive height; adulthood: acromegaly with thickened bones in jaw, hands, and feet.
  • Role of oxytocin
    Stimulates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during lactation; may aid sperm transport and emotional bonding.
  • Functions of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
    Promotes water reabsorption in kidneys, reduces urine output, constricts arterioles to raise blood pressure, and inhibits sweat glands.
  • Symptoms of diabetes insipidus
    Caused by ADH hyposecretion; characterized by excessive urine output, thirst, dehydration, and inability to retain water.
  • Role of the pineal gland
    Produces serotonin by day and melatonin at night to regulate circadian rhythms and possibly puberty timing.
  • Function of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
    Released in response to low blood calcium; increases blood calcium by stimulating bone resorption.
  • Pancreatic hormones and their roles
    Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake; glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown.
  • Differences between Type I and Type II diabetes mellitus
    Type I is autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells; Type II is insulin resistance often linked to obesity and age.
  • General Adaptation Syndrome stages
    The body's response to stress occurs in alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages.
  • What are paracrines?
    Local chemical messengers secreted into tissue fluid that act on nearby cells, e.g., histamine and nitric oxide.