Untitled Flashcards Set

What is the primary signaling mechanism of the Endocrine System?

Chemical signaling through hormones.

What is the primary signaling mechanism of the Nervous System?

Both chemical and electrical signaling through neurotransmitters.

What is the response time of the Endocrine System?

Can be fast or slow.

What is the response time of the Nervous System?

Always fast (1-10 ms).

How does the Endocrine System control body functions?

Involuntary control.

How does the Nervous System control body functions?

Both voluntary and involuntary control.

What type of responses do hormones from the Endocrine System produce?

Widespread responses.

What type of responses do neurotransmitters from the Nervous System produce?

Targeted and specific responses.

What are glands that produce steroid hormones primarily derived from?

Mesoderm.

Which glands produce amine, peptide, and protein hormones?

Derived from ectoderm (pituitary, pineal gland, adrenal medulla) and endoderm (thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, thymus).

What type of glands are endocrine glands?

Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into surrounding fluid.

What is a key characteristic of the endocrine glands in males and females?

They are the same except for the testes (males only) and ovaries (females only).

What is unique about the pancreas in terms of its glandular function?

It has both endocrine and exocrine functions.

What is the major class of hormones synthesized from a single amino acid?

Amine hormones.

What type of hormones are synthesized from multiple amino acids?

Peptide hormones.

What is the major component of steroid hormones?

Cholesterol.

What type of receptors do lipid-soluble hormones bind to?

Intracellular hormone receptors.

What role does cAMP play in cellular signaling?

It acts as a second messenger in signaling cascades.

What hormones are produced by the anterior pituitary?

FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, PRL, beta-endorphin, and GH (FLATPEG).

What specific functions do FSH and LH regulate?

They regulate the function of ovaries and testes.

What does prolactin promote in females?

Breast development and milk production.

How is growth hormone primarily regulated?

By GHRH and GHIH (somatostatin).

What is the primary role of cortisol?

Regulating metabolism and maintaining blood sugar levels.

What type of hormones are produced in the zona glomerulosa?

Mineralocorticoids, mainly aldosterone.

What is the major function of aldosterone?

Regulates sodium and potassium ion concentrations.

What hormones are produced in the zona fasciculata?

Glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol.

What hormones are produced in the zona reticularis?

Androgens.

What is the function of adrenaline secreted by the adrenal medulla?

Part of the fight or flight response.

What does the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) do?

Stimulates development and secretory activity of the thyroid gland.

What are the two main thyroid hormones?

Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

What effect do thyroid hormones have on metabolism?

They increase the basal metabolic rate.

What is calcitonin and when is it released?

A hormone released in response to high blood calcium levels.

What does parathyroid hormone (PTH) do?

Increases blood calcium levels by acting on bones, kidneys, and intestines.

What triggers the release of ADH (antidiuretic hormone)?

Increase in plasma osmolarity.

What is the primary role of oxytocin in childbirth?

Stimulates uterine contractions.

What hormones are produced in the pancreatic islets?

Glucagon, insulin, and somatostatin.

What effect does insulin have on blood glucose levels?

Lowers blood glucose levels.

What is the function of leptin released by adipose tissue?

Produces a feeling of satiety after a meal.

What is the role of kidneys in endocrine function?

Regulating blood calcium levels via calcitriol production and producing erythropoietin.

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on inflammation?

Downregulates inflammatory mediators.

What do growth factors released by growth hormone mediate?

Growth and protein synthesis.

What initiates hormone release from the posterior pituitary?

Signals from hypothalamic neurons.

What happens to T3 and T4 levels during stress?

They increase metabolic activity and energy utilization.

How does the body respond to chronic stress through the HPA axis?

Increased production of cortisol and other stress hormones.

What is the function of pancreatic polypeptide (PP)?

Plays a role in appetite regulation and pancreatic secretions.