Endocrine system

How do hormones maintain homeostasis?

Hormones help regulate physiological processes, such as growth, metabolism, and tissue function, through positive and negative feedback mechanisms.

What are endocrine disruptors?

Chemicals manufactured by humans that can mimic, block, or interfere with hormones, leading to harmful effects on organisms.

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

The hypothalamus receives input from neurons and releases hormones that regulate many aspects of physiology.

Name the hormone produced by the pineal gland and its function.

Melatonin, which affects sleep patterns and is often referred to as the 'darkness hormone'.

What is the role of the anterior pituitary?

The anterior pituitary produces several hormones that direct other endocrine glands, including growth hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone.

What are the effects of an excess of growth hormone in childhood?

It can lead to gigantism, characterized by excessive growth.

What is acromegaly?

A condition resulting from excess growth hormone during adulthood, causing enlargement of bones and joints.

Describe the negative feedback mechanism in hormone regulation.

Hypothalamic hormones influence pituitary hormones, which in turn regulate other glands, maintaining balance through feedback signals.

What does calcitonin do?

Calcitonin causes bones to take up excess calcium from the blood, helping to regulate calcium levels.

What is the primary function of insulin?

Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating its uptake into cells.

What is Graves' disease?

A condition of hyperthyroidism characterized by excessive levels of thyroxine leading to increased metabolism and symptoms like weight loss and irritability.

How do adrenal glands respond to stress?

They release cortisol (long-term stress response) and adrenaline (immediate fight or flight response).

What hormonal pathway is involved in stress response?

Hypothalamus releases CRH -> Pituitary releases ACTH -> Adrenal glands release cortisol.

What hormones do gonads produce?

Ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, while testes produce testosterone, influenced by FSH and LH.

What is androgen insensitivity syndrome?

A condition where genetically male individuals develop female external sex characteristics due to dysfunctional androgen receptors.

Describe the difference between protein and steroid hormones.

Protein hormones have receptors on the cell surface and act quickly, while steroid hormones can pass through cell membranes and bind to internal receptors.

What is the relationship between thyroid hormones and metabolism?

Thyroid hormones, particularly thyroxine, control the rate of metabolism and require iodine for synthesis.