Skip to main content
Indietro

Endocrine System - Anatomy & Physiology

I pulsanti di controllo sono stati cambiati in modalità "navigazione".
1/28

Termini in questo insieme (28)

  • Major functions of the endocrine system

    The endocrine system regulates body functions by secreting hormones that control metabolism, growth, reproduction, and homeostasis.

  • Define hormone, endocrine gland, endocrine tissue, and target cell

    Hormone: chemical messenger secreted into blood.
    Endocrine gland: organ that secretes hormones.
    Endocrine tissue: hormone-secreting cells in organs.
    Target cell: cell with receptors for a specific hormone.

  • Compare nervous and endocrine system control

    Nervous system uses electrical signals via neurons for fast, short responses; endocrine uses hormones via blood for slower, longer-lasting effects. Target specificity depends on receptor presence.

  • Difference between classic hormones and neurohormones

    Classic hormones are secreted by endocrine glands; neurohormones are secreted by neurons into the blood.

  • Three major chemical classes of hormones

    Steroid hormones, peptide hormones, and amino acid-derived (amine) hormones.

  • Production and storage differences: steroid vs peptide hormones

    Steroid hormones are synthesized on demand from cholesterol and not stored; peptide hormones are synthesized as precursors, stored in vesicles, and released by exocytosis.

  • Transport differences of steroid and peptide hormones in blood

    Steroid hormones are transported bound to carrier proteins; peptide hormones travel freely dissolved in plasma.

  • Location of target cell receptors for steroid vs peptide hormones

    Steroid hormone receptors are intracellular (cytoplasm or nucleus); peptide hormone receptors are on the plasma membrane.

  • Mechanism of action: plasma membrane vs intracellular hormone receptors

    Plasma membrane receptors activate second messenger pathways for rapid responses; intracellular receptors alter gene transcription for slower, longer-lasting effects.

  • Signals that initiate hormone secretion

    Hormone secretion is triggered by monitored variables, direct neural stimulation, neurohormones, or other hormones.

  • Simple endocrine pathway with negative feedback example

    Example: Parathyroid hormone secretion increases blood calcium; rising calcium levels inhibit further secretion (negative feedback).

  • Anatomical relationship of hypothalamus and pituitary gland

    The hypothalamus lies above the pituitary; the anterior pituitary connects via the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system; the posterior pituitary is neural tissue continuous with the hypothalamus.

  • Negative feedback in hypothalamic-anterior pituitary-peripheral gland pathways

    Hormones from peripheral glands inhibit hypothalamus and anterior pituitary hormone release, maintaining homeostasis.

  • Major anterior pituitary hormones and their targets

    Examples: Growth hormone (targets body tissues), thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyroid gland), adrenocorticotropic hormone (adrenal cortex), luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone (gonads).

  • Role of hypothalamic neurohormones

    Hypothalamic neurohormones regulate anterior pituitary hormone release by stimulating or inhibiting secretion.

  • Hormones produced by hypothalamus and stored in posterior pituitary

    Oxytocin (targets uterus and mammary glands) and antidiuretic hormone (targets kidneys to conserve water).

  • Role of hypothalamus in posterior pituitary hormone release

    Hypothalamic neurons synthesize hormones transported to and released from the posterior pituitary into the blood.

  • Anatomy and hormones of the thyroid gland

    The thyroid gland is located in the neck; it secretes thyroid hormones (T3, T4) regulating metabolism and calcitonin which lowers blood calcium.

  • Anatomy and hormone of the parathyroid glands

    Four small glands on the thyroid's posterior surface; secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) which raises blood calcium levels.

  • Anatomy and hormones of the adrenal cortex

    Outer adrenal gland layer; secretes corticosteroids like cortisol (stress response) and aldosterone (regulates sodium and potassium).

  • Anatomy and hormones of the pancreas

    Located behind the stomach; secretes insulin (lowers blood glucose) and glucagon (raises blood glucose).

  • Definition of paracrine and autocrine signaling

    Paracrine: chemical signals act on nearby cells.
    Autocrine: chemical signals act on the same cell that secreted them.

  • Two major types of eicosanoids and their functions

    Prostaglandins (mediate inflammation and pain) and leukotrienes (involved in immune responses).

  • General adaptation syndrome to stress

    Body's response to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, involving hormonal changes to maintain homeostasis.

  • Hormones released during short-term stress

    Adrenaline and noradrenaline from adrenal medulla increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability.

  • Hormones released during long-term stress

    Cortisol and aldosterone from adrenal cortex promote energy mobilization and fluid retention to sustain stress response.

  • Example of endocrine disruption: iodine deficiency

    Lack of iodine reduces thyroid hormone production, causing goiter and hypothyroidism symptoms.

  • Predict causes of hypothyroidism

    Possible causes include iodine deficiency, autoimmune destruction of thyroid, or pituitary dysfunction.