Chapter 4 Endocrine Responses to Exercise and Training

Allosteric binding site

A specific region on an enzyme where molecules can bind, leading to a change in the enzyme's activity and function, distinct from the active site.

Anabolic hormone

A type of hormone that promotes the building of tissues and synthesis of complex molecules, enhancing growth and recovery.

Catabolic hormone

A type of hormone that promotes the breakdown of tissues and complex molecules, facilitating energy release and metabolism.

Cross-reactivity

A receptors ability to interact with hormones other than its primary matches

Downregulation

A process where a cell reduces the number of receptors or their sensitivity to a hormone, often in response to prolonged exposure to high hormone levels.

Endocrine gland

An organ that produces and secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily functions.

Half-life

The period of time it takes for half of a substance, such as a hormone, to be eliminated from the bloodstream or for its concentration to decrease by half.

Hormone

A chemical messenger produced by endocrine glands that regulates physiological processes in the body by binding to specific receptors.

Hormone-receptor complex (H-RC)

A molecular structure formed when a hormone binds to its specific receptor on a target cell, triggering a cellular response.

Lock-and-key theory

The lock-and-key theory is a model that explains how hormones interact with their specific receptors, where the hormone (the key) fits perfectly into the receptor site (the lock), leading to a biological response.

Neuroendocrine immunology

is the study of the interactions between the nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system, exploring how they influence each other's functions and responses.

Neuroendocrinology

is the branch of science that focuses on the interactions and relationships between the nervous system and the endocrine system, particularly how hormones affect brain function and behavior.

Polypeptide hormone

is a type of hormone composed of long chains of amino acids, which regulate various physiological processes including growth, metabolism, and immune function.

Proteolytic enzyme

is an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids by cleaving the peptide bonds between amino acids, playing a crucial role in digestion and protein recycling.

Secondary messenger

is a molecule that transmits signals from a receptor on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell, amplifying the cellular response to hormones and other signaling molecules.

Steroid hormone

is a type of hormone derived from cholesterol, which regulates a variety of physiological processes, including metabolism, immune function, and reproduction by interacting with specific intracellular receptors.

Target tissue cell

is a type of cell that is affected by hormones or signals from other cells, possessing specific receptors that bind these signaling molecules to elicit a physiological response.

Thyroid hormone

is a group of hormones produced by the thyroid gland that play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth and development.