ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY - ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Flashcards
branch of physiology that deals with the study of the endocrine system
endocrinology
interacting group of glands that secrete hormones, helping to control functions of cells and organs throughout body
endocrine system
substance or chemical mediator produced by the endocrine gland and carried by the blood to some distant part of the body where it exerts its effects
hormone
hormones may be classified as:
simple protein, glycoprotein, and steroids
properties and functions of hormones:
- regulate, than initiate reactions
- effective in biocatalytic (complete) quantities
- not secreted in uniform rates
- inactivated rapidly at site of action or some other gland/organ
- transported to target organs
bind specific hormone and directly/indirectly trigger a metabolic effect
hormone receptors
called ductless glands bcs they have no ducts connecting them to specific body parts
endocrine organs
main link between endocrine and nervous system; maintains homeostasis
hypothalamus
under hypothalamus, at sphenoid bone called sella turcica that protects it from outside pressure
hypophysis or pituitary gland
3 regions of hypophysis / pituitary gland:
adenohypophysis (anterior); neurohypophysis (posterior); pars intermedia (intermediate lobe)
can make its own hormones
adenohypophysis / anterior lobe
does not make its own hormones
neurohypophysis / posterior
(secreted by anterior) promotes growth and cell reproduction
growth hormone / somatotropic hormone (STH)
over secretion of GH / STH leads BEFORE puberty leads to
gigantism
over secretion of GH / STH leads AFTER puberty leads to
acromegaly
deficiency of GH / STH during growth development leads to
dwarfism
(secreted by anterior) stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
(secreted by anterior) stimulates thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones / normal functioning of thyroid gland
thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
(secreted by anterior) stimulates milk secretion in lactating mammary glands
prolactin (PRL) or luteotropic hormone (LTH)