23,8 chapters

Hypothalamic-pituitary control system

Reflex systems with trophic hormones that regulate endocrine activity.

Negative feedback

A mechanism where the output of a system reduces or dampens the process.

Hormone receptors

Proteins that bind hormones and elicit responses in target cells.

Cortisol

The main glucocorticoid hormone in humans, involved in stress response.

CRH

Corticotropin-releasing hormone, released by the hypothalamus to stimulate ACTH secretion.

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone, secreted by the anterior pituitary to stimulate cortisol release.

Growth hormone (GH)

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

Thyroid hormones

Hormones that regulate metabolism, including T3 and T4, made from tyrosine and iodine.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition where excessive thyroid hormones increase metabolism and cause various symptoms.

Hypothyroidism

A condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, leading to a slow metabolism.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood by increasing bone resorption.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk due to bone resorption exceeding formation.

Neurons

The basic signaling units of the nervous system that transmit information.

Glial cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that aid neuronal function and structure.

Chemical synapse

A junction where neurons communicate by releasing neurotransmitters.

Action potentials

All-or-none electrical signals that propagate along axons to transmit information.

Hyperkalemia

A condition of elevated potassium levels in the blood that may alter membrane potentials.

Hypokalemia

A condition of low potassium levels that can lead to muscle weakness and influence action potentials.