Skip to main content
Back

Endocrine System Physiology - Anatomy & Physiology

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/20

Terms in this set (20)

  • What is the overarching function of the endocrine system?

    Intercellular chemical communication, information transfer, integration, and control of body functions.

  • How do hormones interact with target cells?

    Hormones are secreted into the blood and bind to specific receptors on target cells, triggering changes in cell function.

  • List key functions of the endocrine system.

    Regulates growth, development, homeostasis, reproduction, body defenses, electrolyte and water balance, nutrient metabolism, and behavior.

  • What distinguishes endocrine glands from exocrine glands?

    Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the blood, while exocrine glands secrete into ducts leading to body surfaces or cavities.

  • Name the seven primary endocrine organs.

    Anterior pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal cortices, endocrine pancreas, thymus, and gonads (ovaries/testes).

  • What are secondary endocrine glands?

    Organs producing hormones but primarily part of other systems, e.g., heart, kidneys, small intestine, adipose tissue.

  • What are neuroendocrine organs?

    Nervous tissue organs that secrete hormones called neurohormones, such as the hypothalamus, pineal gland, and adrenal medulla.

  • What are the three main classes of hormones?

    Amino acid-based, peptide/protein, and steroid hormones.

  • Describe amino acid-based hormones.

    Small molecules derived from amino acids like tyrosine and tryptophan; include thyroid hormones and catecholamines.

  • What characterizes peptide/protein hormones?

    Chains of amino acids ranging from short peptides to complex proteins; generally hydrophilic.

  • Describe steroid hormones.

    Cholesterol-derived, lipid-soluble hormones produced by adrenal cortex and gonads; hydrophobic.

  • How do hormones reach their target cells?

    Secreted into interstitial fluid, diffuse into blood capillaries, transported via bloodstream, then diffuse out to bind receptors on target cells.

  • What is the difference between endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine signals?

    Endocrine signals travel through blood to distant targets; paracrine affect nearby cells; autocrine affect the same cell that secreted them.

  • What is upregulation in hormone receptor regulation?

    Increase in receptor number and sensitivity in response to low hormone levels.

  • What is downregulation in hormone receptor regulation?

    Decrease in receptor number and sensitivity after prolonged high hormone exposure.

  • List some effects of hormone action on target cells.

    Stimulate secretion, activate/inhibit enzymes, regulate mitosis/meiosis, open/close ion channels, and alter gene expression.

  • Define complementary, synergistic, and antagonistic hormone interactions.

    Complementary: different cells, common goal; synergistic: same cell, same effect; antagonistic: same cell, opposite effects.

  • What determines a hormone's half-life?

    Time for plasma concentration to reduce by half; hydrophobic hormones have longer half-lives than hydrophilic ones.

  • What are the three types of stimuli that regulate hormone secretion?

    Humoral (blood ion/nutrient levels), neural (nerve stimulation), and hormonal (hormones stimulating other hormones).

  • How does negative feedback regulate hormone secretion?

    Deviation from normal triggers hormone release; hormone effects restore balance; receptors detect return to normal and reduce hormone secretion.