endocrine hormones

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

It serves as the control center connecting the nervous system to the endocrine system.

What hormones are primarily stored and released by the posterior pituitary?

Oxytocin and Vasopressin (ADH) are examples of hormones stored and released by the posterior pituitary.

What is the function of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)?

TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.

What does ACTH stand for and what does it do?

ACTH stands for Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol.

What hormones are produced by the anterior pituitary?

Tropic hormones such as TSH, ACTH, LH, and FSH.

What is the primary hormone produced by the pineal gland?

Melatonin, which regulates sleep.

What is the function of T3 and T4 hormones?

They are involved in regulating metabolism.

What does PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) do?

PTH increases calcium levels in the blood.

How does calcitonin function in contrast to PTH?

Calcitonin decreases calcium levels in the blood.

What is the main role of thymus hormones?

They are involved in the development of the immune system, particularly during childhood.

What hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex?

Aldosterone, Cortisol, and Androgens.

What is the function of aldosterone?

Aldosterone regulates salt and water balance in the body.

What is the primary effect of cortisol?

Cortisol is involved in sugar metabolism and stress response.

What hormones are released by the adrenal medulla?

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine, which increase heart rate and blood pressure.

What are the main functions of insulin?

Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular glucose uptake.

What does glucagon do in the body?

Glucagon increases blood glucose levels by promoting the release of glucose from storage.

What hormones do the ovaries produce?

Estrogens and Progesterone.

What hormones do the testes produce?

Testosterone and other androgens.

Describe the hormone hierarchy involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

The hypothalamus produces releasing hormones that stimulate the pituitary, which then releases tropic hormones to target other endocrine glands.

What is the overall effect of adrenal medulla hormones?

They prepare the body for 'emergency mode,' increasing heart rate and energy availability.

Name the hormone group associated with the adrenal cortex and its simple memory aid.

'Salt, Sugar, Sex' - Aids in remembering aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens.

Define the concept of tropic hormones.

Tropic hormones stimulate other endocrine glands to release their hormones.

What is the source of oxytocin and its primary function?

Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and facilitates childbirth and bonding.

What is the purpose of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?

It regulates the function of many endocrine glands and maintains homeostasis.

How does melatonin affect the body?

Melatonin regulates sleep patterns, often referred to as the sleep hormone.

What type of feedback mechanism does the thyroid hormone regulation follow?

Negative feedback mechanism.

What major hormones are classified as 'stress hormones'?

Cortisol from the adrenal cortex and Epinephrine from the adrenal medulla.

What role do androgens play in the human body?

Androgens are involved in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

What triggers the release of insulin and glucagon?

Insulin is released in response to high blood glucose; glucagon is released when blood glucose is low.

Which gland is primarily involved in calcium homeostasis?

Parathyroid glands through PTH secretion.

What is the difference between the actions of the two types of hormones from the adrenal gland?

Cortex hormones (aldosterone, cortisol) regulate metabolism; medulla hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine) regulate immediate stress responses.

Which hormone primarily affects metabolism in the body?

Thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

What is the recoil effect of glucagon on blood glucose levels?

Glucagon increases blood glucose levels.

What connects the nervous system to the endocrine system?

The hypothalamus serves as the connecting point.

What is the significance of the pituitary gland's anterior and posterior segments?

Anterior pituitary releases tropic hormones; posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones made by the hypothalamus.

Describe the role of the thymus in the endocrine system.

The thymus is crucial for immune system development during childhood.

What hormone from the pancreas helps control blood sugar levels?

Insulin helps to decrease blood sugar levels.

How do the adrenal medulla hormones contribute to the 'fight or flight' response?

They increase heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose availability during stress.

What is the effect of thyroid hormones on metabolism?

Thyroid hormones increase metabolic activity in tissues.

What is the principle of negative feedback in hormone regulation?

When hormone levels are elevated, further production of that hormone is reduced, maintaining balance.

List and describe one major hormone from each endocrine gland mentioned.

1. Hypothalamus: TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone) - stimulates TSH release from the pituitary; 2. Pituitary: TSH - stimulates thyroid; 3. Adrenal Cortex: Cortisol - stress metabolism; 4. Thyroid: T3/T4 - metabolism.

TRH = Thyrotropin-releasing hormone

TSH = Thyroid releasing hormone

CRH = corticotropin-releasing hormone

ACTH = Adrenocorticotropic hormone

GnRH = Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

FSH = follicle-stimulating hormone = egg/sperm development

LH = Luteinizing hormone = ovulation/testosterone production

GHRH = growth hormone-releasing hormone

GH = growth hormone

Dopamine (PIH) = lowers prolactin

PRL = prolactin = milk production

Somatostatin (GHIH) = Universal inhibitor

of endocrine function, inhibiting growth hormone (GH) and other hormone releases.