Endocrine System

What are the four principal communication mechanisms between cells in the body?

Gap junctions, neurotransmitters, paracrines, hormones.

What is the endocrine system composed of?

Glands, tissues, and cells that secrete hormones.

What is endocrinology?

The study of the endocrine system and the diagnosis and treatment of its disorders.

What distinguishes endocrine glands from exocrine glands?

Endocrine glands have no ducts and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

How do the endocrine and nervous systems compare in terms of speed of response?

The nervous system reacts quickly and stops quickly, while the endocrine system reacts slowly, and effects may last longer.

What is the role of neurotransmitters in the communication between cells?

They are released from neurons to travel across the synaptic cleft to the second cell.

What is the function of hormones in the endocrine system?

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel in the bloodstream to stimulate physiological responses in other tissues and organs.

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

Regulates primitive functions such as water balance, thermoregulation, sex drive, and childbirth.

What hormones are produced by the hypothalamus and influence the anterior pituitary?

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), prolactin-inhibiting hormone (PIH), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin.

What is the function of oxytocin?

Stimulates labor contractions during childbirth and milk release from mammary glands.

What are the six major hormones produced by the anterior pituitary?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH).

What role does the adrenal cortex play in the body?

It secretes several corticosteroids that regulate metabolism and help the body respond to stress.

What is the function of glucagon?

Stimulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, raising blood glucose levels.

What causes diabetes mellitus?

Disruption of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism due to hyposecretion or inaction of insulin.

What are the two main types of diabetes mellitus?

Type 1 diabetes mellitus and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

How do hormones function at a target cell?

Hormones bind to specific receptors on target cells, activating metabolic pathways.

What is up-regulation in relation to hormone sensitivity?

Increased number of receptors for a hormone, increasing sensitivity.

What defines antagonistic hormone interactions?

One hormone opposes the action of another.

What is the metabolic clearance rate (MCR)?

The rate at which hormones are removed from the blood.

What is the cascade effect in hormone action?

One hormone molecule triggers the synthesis of a large number of enzyme molecules.

Mnemonic for Hypothalamic Hormones

Golden Tides Caress Peaceful Sunset Gardens 🌅🌿 - Represents Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, Thyrotropin-releasing hormone, Corticotropin-releasing hormone, Prolactin-inhibiting hormone, Growth hormone-releasing hormone, Somatostatin.

Mnemonic for Anterior Pituitary Hormones

Fresh Ladies Think About Pretty Gardens 🌸🌿 - Represents Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, Thyroid-stimulating hormone, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, Prolactin, Growth hormone.