Endocrine (youtube info)

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Flashcards: Endocrine System

Q: What is the endocrine system?

A: A system made up of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate body functions.

Q: What are hormones?

A: Chemical messengers that regulate body processes like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Q: What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?

A:

  • Endocrine: Secrete hormones directly into the blood (no ducts).

  • Exocrine: Use ducts to secrete substances to a surface (e.g., sweat, milk).

Q: Can a gland have both endocrine and exocrine functions?

A: Yes. Example: The pancreas (endocrine = insulin, glucagon; exocrine = digestive enzymes).

Q: Name the major endocrine glands.

A: Hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes.

Q: What does the hypothalamus do in the endocrine system?

A: Regulates the pituitary gland and produces hormones that control its activity.

Q: What are the two parts of the pituitary gland?

A: Anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary.

Q: What hormones does the posterior pituitary release?

A:

  • Oxytocin: Causes uterine contractions and milk ejection.

  • Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): Increases water reabsorption in kidneys.

Q: What hormones are made by the anterior pituitary?

A:

  • Growth Hormone (GH)

  • Prolactin (PRL)

  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Q: What is the function of Growth Hormone (GH)?

A: Promotes growth and protein synthesis.

Q: What is the function of Prolactin (PRL)?

A: Stimulates milk production in mammary glands.

Q: What does TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) do?

A: Stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.

Q: What is the function of FSH and LH?

A: Stimulate gonads to produce gametes and sex hormones.

Q: What is the function of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)?

A: Stimulates the adrenal cortex to release hormones.

Q: What hormone does the pineal gland release?

A: Melatonin — helps regulate sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).

Q: What hormones are made by the thyroid gland?

A: T4 (thyroxine), T3 (triiodothyronine), and calcitonin.

Q: What do T3 and T4 do?

A: Regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

Q: What does calcitonin do?

A: Lowers blood calcium levels.

Q: What hormone does the parathyroid gland release?

A: Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) — raises blood calcium levels.

Q: What is the function of the thymus gland?

A: Produces hormones (like thymosin) that stimulate T-cell development for immune function.

Q: Where are the adrenal glands located?

A: On top of each kidney.

Q: What are the two parts of the adrenal glands?

A: Adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex.

Q: What hormones does the adrenal medulla release?

A: Epinephrine and norepinephrine — responsible for fight-or-flight response.

Q: What hormones does the adrenal cortex release?

A:

  • Cortisol (a glucocorticoid): Raises blood glucose and helps with stress/inflammation.

  • Aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid): Reabsorbs sodium, excretes potassium, helps regulate BP.

Q: What hormones does the pancreas release?

A:

  • Insulin: Lowers blood sugar by allowing glucose into cells.

  • Glucagon: Raises blood sugar by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver.

Q: What hormones do the ovaries release?

A: Estrogen and progesterone.

Q: What is the function of estrogen?

A: Promotes female secondary sex characteristics and uterine lining growth.

Q: What is the function of progesterone?

A: Maintains the uterine lining for pregnancy and supports fetal development.

Q: What hormones do the testes release?

A: Androgens, mainly testosterone.

Q: What does testosterone do?

A: Promotes sperm production and male secondary sex characteristics.

Q: What is hypothyroidism?

A: A condition where the thyroid is underactive and produces too little thyroid hormone.

Q: What are symptoms of hypothyroidism?

A: Fatigue, slow heart rate, weight gain, low metabolism.

Q: Why might TSH levels be high in hypothyroidism?

A: Because the pituitary is trying to stimulate the underactive thyroid to produce hormones.

Q: What kind of doctor treats endocrine disorders?

A: An endocrinologist.

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