Lab Practical Review

Hormones and Endocrine Glands Overview

  • Models and Preparation for the Exam
    • Importance of taking pictures of hormone models throughout the semester for exam preparation.

Major Endocrine Glands and Associated Hormones

  • Hypothalamus

    • Important role in hormone release.
    • Students should familiarize themselves with which hormones are released from this gland.

  • Thyroid Gland

    • Students are asked to name this gland and provide an associated hormone.
    • Example hormone: Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3).

  • Adrenal Gland

    • Students are again prompted to name this gland and provide an associated hormone.
    • Example hormone: Cortisol, Adrenaline (Epinephrine).

  • Testicle (Testes)

    • Students should identify this gland and name the corresponding hormone.
    • Example hormone: Testosterone.

  • Pancreas

    • Identification required, along with its associated hormone.
    • Example hormone: Insulin.

  • Parathyroid Gland

    • Students must name the gland and provide the hormone produced here.
    • Example hormone: Parathyroid hormone (PTH).

  • Ovary

    • Identification of this gland along with an associated hormone.
    • Example hormone: Estrogen, Progesterone.

  • Thymus Gland

    • Not included in the model but mentioned as a notable gland for hormone knowledge.

Brain Endocrine Structures

  • Pituitary Gland

    • Key structure in the brain, responsible for releasing several hormones.
    • Known for its connection to the hypothalamus and its role as the “master gland.”

  • Pineal Gland

    • Mentioned as part of the endocrine system within the brain and known to produce Melatonin.

Identification and Practical Exam Requirements

  • Lab Practical Slides Overview

    • Students must familiarize themselves with the following slides:
    • Slide 1: [Specific content not detailed, students to infer].
    • Slide 4: Thyroid Gland.
    • Slide 5: Parathyroid Gland.
    • Slide 7A: Pancreas.
    • Slide 17: White Blood Cells (variation identification).
    • Slide 59: Testes.
    • Emphasis on how identification will be assessed: "What is this?"

  • Practical Lab Exam Structure

    • 25 stations noted for testing, including:
    • 6 slides related to hormones.
    • Identification questions (30 questions on identification and then physiology questions).

  • Points Distribution

    • Each identified correctly on slides is worth 2 points.
    • Example: 6 slides x 2 points = 12 points available for slide identification in the practical.

Changes to the Lab Practical Structure

  • Transition from previous years’ formats to simplify for clarity and fairness.
    • Previous format was critiqued and adjustments made:
    • 200 points maximum system restructured to two individual lab practicals worth 100 points each.
    • Increased ease of understanding for both students and faculty.

Additional Notes for Students

  • Encouragement to photograph and document models and slides for personal study tools.
  • Stress on the importance of understanding which hormone correlates with each gland and slide as a means of preparation.

Logistics and Office Hours

  • Office hours provided for additional help.

    • Availability: All-day Wednesdays, and specific hours Tuesday 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM for lunch and further questions.

  • Importance of collaboration and group study discussed; exchange of resources among students encouraged.

Miscellaneous Comments

  • Light discussion on personal experiences and student concerns regarding the course and material pace.
  • Casual dialogues about unrelated personal experiences (e.g., dash cam needs, traffic incidents).