Extended Exam 3 Notes

What is the "master gland" that regulates various bodily functions through the hormones it produces?

The pituitary gland, which is regulated by the hypothalamus.

What are the 2 lobes of the pituitary gland and what do they produce?

Anterior pituitary: produces growth hormone (GH), prolactin, and tropic hormones; Posterior pituitary: produces antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.

What does growth hormone do?

Growth hormone (GH) promotes tissue growth in organs and bone growth and aids tissue replacement and repair after puberty.

What are gonadotropins, and what are their specific functions?

Hormones produced by the anterior pituitary that regulate sexual development and function; FSH: stimulates egg and sperm production; LH: stimulates ovaries and testes for hormone production.

What is the primary female sex hormone, where is it produced, and what are its functions?

Estrogen, produced by the ovaries, is essential for female reproductive organ development, lactation, fat distribution, and other functions.

What hormone is secreted by the ovaries from ovulation until menses, and what are its functions?

Progesterone thickens the uterine lining, helps maintain pregnancy, and elevates core body temperature.

What gland secretes thyroid hormone (TH), and what are TH's functions?

The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormone (TH), which affects metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature.

What does the parathyroid gland secrete, and what does this hormone regulate?

The parathyroid gland secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphate levels.

What are the two parts of the adrenal glands, and what hormones does each part secrete?

Adrenal Cortex: secretes corticosteroids; Adrenal Medulla: secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stress.

What are the functions of the pancreas in relation to hormones?

The pancreas synthesizes, stores, and releases insulin (lowers blood glucose), glucagon (raises blood glucose), and somatostatin (inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion).

What are baroreceptors, and what role do they play in cardiovascular regulation?

Baroreceptors detect changes in blood pressure and signal the sympathetic nervous system to increase cardiac output when blood pressure is low.

What is the function of chemoreceptors in cardiovascular regulation?

Chemoreceptors respond to blood chemistry changes and provide feedback to alter ventilation and induce vasoconstriction to maintain homeostasis.

What are some examples of circulating factors that contribute to cardiovascular regulation?

Enzymes, hormones, plasma proteins, and neurotransmitters like renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, antidiuretic hormone, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine.

What are the main functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) system?

The GI system digests food, absorbs nutrients, and forms a barrier against microorganisms.

What are the two main processes involved in the GI system's handling of food?

Digestion: mechanical and chemical breakdown; Absorption: uptake of nutrients into the bloodstream.

Where does most nutrient absorption occur?

The small intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption.

What is the gold standard treatment for uncomplicated malaria?

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).

Why is treating uncomplicated malaria more difficult in developing countries?

Limited diagnostic capabilities, access to ACTs, drug resistance, and challenges with prevention efforts.