LECTURE 1

Endocrinology

The study of the endocrine system, focusing on glands that produce hormones.

Hypothalamus

A region in the brain that controls basic functions and links to the pituitary gland.

Pituitary gland

The master controller of the endocrine system, consisting of anterior and posterior lobes.

Hormone axes

Connections between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and endocrine glands for hormone regulation.

Endocrine system

A system of chemical messengers (hormones) that regulate body functions through blood circulation.

Hormone receptors

Specific proteins on target cells that interact with hormones for cellular response.

Hormone communication

Involves endocrine (blood circulation), autocrine (self), paracrine (adjacent cells), and neuroendocrine (neuronal cell) pathways.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger released by neurons to communicate with other neurons or adjacent cells.

Hypothalamic-pituitary axis

The connection between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland for hormone regulation.

Anterior pituitary

Produces and secretes hormones in response to regulatory hormones from the hypothalamus.

Posterior pituitary

Stores and releases hormones produced in the hypothalamus through long axons.

Hormone regulation

Involves releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus to control anterior pituitary functions.

Prolactin Releasing Hormone

A hypothetical hormone from the hypothalamus that causes prolactin release from the anterior pituitary.

Dopamine

Inhibitory hormone released from the hypothalamus that prevents prolactin secretion under normal conditions.

Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH)

Hormone released from the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)

Hormone released from the hypothalamus that causes the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary.

Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone

Hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to increase the production of growth hormone.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Hormone released from the hypothalamus that causes the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary.

Flat Pick

Mnemonic for remembering the hormones FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, and GH as tropic hormones that regulate other endocrine glands.

Prolactin

Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary involved in mammary development and lactation.

Growth Hormone

Hormone synthesized by the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and tissue regeneration.

Oxytocin and Vasopressin

Hormones produced by the posterior pituitary gland with distinct functions despite their structural similarity.

Oxytocin

A polypeptide hormone synthesized by Monsanto juvenile, responsible for milk ejection, uterine muscle contraction at birth, and establishment of maternal behavior.

Childbirth Process

Initiated by baby's pressure on the cervix activating sensory neurons, triggering release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary, leading to uterine contractions aiding in childbirth.

Vasopressin

A hormone involved in water regulation, binding to kidney receptors to promote water reabsorption through aquaporin synthesis, preventing excessive urine production.

Diabetes Insipidus

A disease resulting from vasopressin deficiency or insensitivity, causing excessive urine production and dehydration, treated with exogenous vasopressin or increased water consumption based on the type.

Endocrinology Axes

Regulatory pathways controlling hormone secretion, involving hypothalamic hormones interacting with the anterior pituitary gland to regulate hormone release and maintain homeostasis.