Principles of Endocrine Control

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the principles of endocrine control, essential for understanding the physiological processes of hormones and their implications in health and disease.

Endocrine Control

The regulation of physiological processes through hormones released into the bloodstream.

Neural Control

Control of physiological processes through neurotransmitters transmitted across synapses.

Neuroendocrine Control

A combination of neural and endocrine control where hormones are released from specialized neurons.

Autocrine Control

Control mechanism where signaling molecules affect the same cell that secreted them.

Paracrine Control

Control mechanism involving signaling molecules that affect neighboring cells.

Hormone Excess

Condition resulting from overproduction of hormones, leading to pathological states.

Hormone Deficiency

Condition resulting from underproduction of hormones, leading to pathological states.

Hormonal Binding Proteins

Proteins in blood that transport hormones and regulate their bioavailability.

Pulsatile Secretion

A pattern of hormone release that occurs in bursts or pulses.

Circadian Rhythm

Biological processes that display an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours.

Dynamic Endocrine Tests

Tests that measure hormone levels in response to stimulation or suppression.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism that reduces the output or activity of a system when the output reaches a certain level.

Positive Feedback

A process that enhances or amplifies changes; leads to an extreme response.

Hormone Sensitivity

The responsiveness of target tissues to circulating hormones.

Genomic Action

The effect of hormones that involves direct alteration of gene expression.

Non-genomic Action

Hormonal effects that do not involve direct changes to gene expression.

Receptor Down-regulation

The process of decreasing the number of receptors in response to high levels of hormone.

Hormone Conversion

The process by which hormones are activated or inactivated in peripheral tissues.

G Protein-Coupled Receptors

A large family of receptors that interact with G proteins to transduce signals inside cells.

Tyrosine Kinase Receptors

Receptors with intrinsic enzymatic activity that phosphorylate tyrosine residues on proteins.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones derived from cholesterol that are lipid-soluble and can pass through cell membranes.

Protein Hormones

Hormones made up of chains of amino acids and are water-soluble.

Non-classic Endocrine Tissues

Tissues that perform endocrine functions but are not classified as discrete glands.

Chemical Nature of Hormones

Classification of hormones based on their molecular structure such as steroids, peptides, and amino acids.

Hormone Receptors

Proteins that bind hormones and initiate cellular responses.

Binding Affinity

The strength of the interaction between a hormone and its receptor.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions within the body.

Circulating Pool

The reserve of hormones that are bound to carrier proteins in the blood.

Hormone Amplification

The process by which a small number of hormone molecules can produce a large biological effect.

Hormone Measurement Challenges

Issues arising from hormonal fluctuations that complicate accurate measurement.

Feedback Control Mechanism

The processes that regulate the secretion of hormones based on physiological needs.

Primary Endocrine Disorders

Disorders resulting from dysfunction of the endocrine glands themselves.

Secondary Endocrine Disorders

Disorders resulting from dysfunction of any controlling hormone secretions.

Tertiary Endocrine Disorders

Disorders resulting from the dysfunction of the hypothalamus.

Augmentation of Hormone Action

Enhancement of hormone effects through factors like receptor recruitment.

Inactivation of Hormones

The process by which hormones are chemically modified to cease their biological activity.

Hormone Dimerization

The binding of hormone receptors to form a functional unit that can initiate cellular effects.

Biosynthesis of Hormones

The process by which hormones are produced within endocrine tissues.

Antagonist

A substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of a hormone.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Physiological Function

The normal functions that hormones regulate within the body.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

The administration of hormones to replace deficient or absent hormones.

Insulin Resistance

A condition where cells fail to respond effectively to insulin, often leading to diabetes.

Hormonal Patterns

The various secretion styles that hormonal concentrations vary throughout time.

Molecular Mechanisms of Endocrine Action

Chemical and biological pathways through which hormones exert their effects on target cells.

Metabolic Clearance Rate

The rate at which hormones are removed from the bloodstream.

Circadian and Circannual Rhythms

Biological processes that follow daily and yearly cycles, respectively.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The regulatory system involving hormones produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.