Vitamins and the Endocrine System Review

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering water-soluble vitamins, the components of the endocrine system, hormone functions, and related diseases based on the lecture notes.

What are the primary characteristics of water-soluble vitamins regarding storage and elimination?

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body; any amount the body does not need is eliminated through urine, necessitating frequent replenishment.

List the specific vitamins that make up the Vitamin B complex as mentioned in the notes.

The Vitamin B complex includes thiamine ($B_1$), riboflavin ($B_2$), niacin ($B_3$), pantothenic acid, pyridoxine ($B_6$), biotin ($B_H$), folate ($B_9$), and cobalamin ($B_{12}$).

What is the functional difference between endocrine glands and exocrine glands?

Exocrine glands release hormones into a duct to target cells, whereas endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

How do negative and positive feedback loops differ in the endocrine system?

In a negative feedback loop, hormone release stops in response to a decrease in stimulus. In a positive feedback loop, the action of the hormone continues as long as the stimulus is present.

Which gland is considered the master gland of the endocrine system and where is it located?

The pituitary gland is the master gland and it is located in the brain.

What effect does Prolactin have on the body?

Prolactin causes the breasts to grow and produce milk during pregnancy and after birth.

What are the functions of Antidiuretic hormone ($ADH$) and Oxytocin?

$ADH$ stimulates the reabsorption of water by the kidneys. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions during labor and the release of breast milk.

Which gland secretes Melatonin and what are its primary functions?

The pineal gland secretes Melatonin, which regulates the onset of puberty and the body's biological clock.

How does the secretion of cortisol during prolonged stress affect the body?

Prolonged stress causes the secretion of cortisol, which inhibits the body's immune response.

What is the role of Norepinephrine in the vascular system?

Norepinephrine causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which increases blood pressure.

Which hormones are produced by the thyroid gland to regulate cellular metabolism?

The thyroid gland secretes $T_3$ and $T_4$ for cellular metabolism.

What is the function of the Parathyroid hormone and which gland produces it?

The parathyroid glands produce Parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium levels.

Describe the condition known as Cretinism.

Cretinism is a condition of severe physical and mental retardation caused by an iodine deficiency, specifically a deficiency of thyroid hormones during early pregnancy.

What is the cause of Cushing's syndrome?

Cushing's syndrome is caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands over long periods of time.

What is Myxedema and which condition is it associated with?

Myxedema is the swelling of the skin and underlying tissues, and it is seen in cases of severe hypothyroidism.

Distinguish between Type I and Type II Diabetes mellitus.

Type I is a disorder usually present from birth where the body stops making insulin and requires insulin replacement. Type II is associated with obesity and genetic predisposition.

What characterizes Hyperthyroidism (Graves disease)?

Hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disorder involving excessive thyroid hormone, leading to weight loss, heat tolerance, anxiety, and an increased heart rate.

What are the characteristics of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, elevated hormone levels, and the presence of cysts on the ovaries.