Endocrine System: Hormones, Cells, and Stimuli for Medical and Biology Students

Which cells produce Thyroid hormone (T3, T4), and what is the stimulus?

Follicular cells produce T3 and T4; the stimulus is Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

What are the target and effect of Calcitonin?

Targets osteoclasts and kidneys; effect is to lower blood calcium levels.

What cells produce Calcitonin, and what triggers them?

Parafollicular cells; triggered by high blood calcium levels.

What hormone does the Zona glomerulosa produce, and what is the stimulus?

Aldosterone; stimulated by low blood pressure or low blood volume.

What is the effect of Aldosterone?

It targets the kidneys to increase blood volume and pressure.

Which layer produces Cortisol, and what is its stimulus?

Zona fasciculata; stimulated by Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

What are the primary effects of Cortisol?

Long-term stress response and suppression of the immune system.

Which layer produces Androgens?

Zona reticularis.

What hormones are released by the Adrenal Medulla?

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine.

What is the stimulus and effect of Medulla hormones?

Stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system; effect is the fight or flight response.

Which cells produce Insulin, and what is the stimulus?

Beta cells; stimulated by high blood glucose.

How does Insulin affect blood glucose levels?

It decreases blood glucose by allowing cells to absorb it.

Which cells produce Glucagon, and what is its target?

Alpha cells; targets the liver and adipocytes.

What is the effect of Glucagon?

Increases blood glucose levels.

What does Luteinizing hormone (LH) do in females vs. males?

Females: Stimulates ovulation and maintains the corpus luteum. Males: Stimulates production of testosterone.

What are the effects of Growth Hormone?

Stimulates bone, muscle, and tissue growth.

Where are Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin produced and stored?

Produced in the Hypothalamus; stored in the posterior pituitary.

What is the target and effect of ADH?

Targets the kidneys; increases water reabsorption.

What does Oxytocin target and do?

Targets lactiferous ducts and the myometrium of the uterus; causes milk ejection and labor contractions.

Name the four key components to identify in a Thyroid gland slide.

Follicles, Follicular cells, Colloid, and Parafollicular cells.

Which two distinct areas must be identified in the Pituitary gland?

Anterior Pituitary and Posterior Pituitary.