Endocrine System and Regulation of Blood Glucose

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the endocrine system, hormone function, and the regulation of blood glucose as outlined in the lecture notes.

What is polyuria and what causes it in diabetes mellitus?

Polyuria is large urine output caused by glucosuria, the loss of glucose in urine due to hyperglycemia.

What distinguishes Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 from Type 2?

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 is autoimmune and characterized by no insulin production, while Type 2 is characterized by insulin resistance.

What are the consequences of no insulin in the body?

No insulin leads to hyperglycemia, glucosuria, polyuria, dehydration, decreased blood volume and pressure, circulatory failure, and potentially death.

Define paracrine secretion.

Paracrine secretion involves a secreting cell releasing signals to target cells nearby.

What hormones are produced by the posterior pituitary?

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) and oxytocin are produced by the posterior pituitary.

What role does the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system play in hormone release?

It allows for quick action by providing a direct blood link between the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.

What are the effects of thyroid hormones?

Thyroid hormones have sympathomimetic effects, cardiovascular effects, and influence growth and nervous system development.

What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that damages thyroid cells and leads to hypothyroidism.

Describe the mechanism of insulin's action on cells.

Insulin binds to its receptor, signaling the cell to insert GLUT4 transport proteins into the membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell.

What is the primary function of glucagon?

Glucagon promotes the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, increasing blood sugar levels.

What cells in the pancreas produce insulin and glucagon?

Insulin is produced by pancreatic beta cells, and glucagon is produced by pancreatic alpha cells.

Name some key hormones produced by the anterior pituitary gland.

The anterior pituitary produces hormones such as Growth Hormone (GH), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Prolactin.

What are the two main hormones released by the thyroid gland?

The two main thyroid hormones are Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3).

What is polyuria and what causes it in diabetes mellitus?

Polyuria is large urine output caused by glucosuria, the loss of glucose in urine due to hyperglycemia.

What distinguishes Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 from Type 2?

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 is autoimmune and characterized by no insulin production, while Type 2 is characterized by insulin resistance.

What are the consequences of no insulin in the body?

No insulin leads to hyperglycemia, glucosuria, polyuria, dehydration, decreased blood volume and pressure, circulatory failure, and potentially death.

Define paracrine secretion.

Paracrine secretion involves a secreting cell releasing signals to target cells nearby.

What hormones are produced by the posterior pituitary?

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) and oxytocin are produced by the posterior pituitary.

What role does the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system play in hormone release?

It allows for quick action by providing a direct blood link between the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.

What are the effects of thyroid hormones?

Thyroid hormones have sympathomimetic effects, cardiovascular effects, and influence growth and nervous system development.

What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that damages thyroid cells and leads to hypothyroidism.

Describe the mechanism of insulin's action on cells.

Insulin binds to its receptor, signaling the cell to insert GLUT4 transport proteins into the membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell.

What is the primary function of glucagon?

Glucagon promotes the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, increasing blood sugar levels.

What cells in the pancreas produce insulin and glucagon?

Insulin is produced by pancreatic beta cells, and glucagon is produced by pancreatic alpha cells.

Name some key hormones produced by the anterior pituitary gland.

The anterior pituitary produces hormones such as Growth Hormone (GH), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Prolactin.

What are the two main hormones released by the thyroid gland?

The two main thyroid hormones are Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3).

What is the primary role of Growth Hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary?

GH promotes the growth of body tissues, especially bone and muscle, by stimulating protein synthesis and cell division.

What are common symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, and slowed metabolism.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and when does it typically occur?

DKA is a life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes, primarily Type 1, characterized by high blood glucose, ketones in the urine, and acidosis, often triggered by stress or infection.