B11 - Hormonal Condition Flashcards
Endocrine system
made up of glands that secrete hormones into the blood stream.
Pituitary gland
the master gland and is found in the brain. It secretes hormones of which some act on other glands and stimulate them to release hormones to bring about specific changes.
Process of hormonal control
Hormones => target organ => receptors on membranes pick up hormone molecules => cell response.
Pancreas
monitors and controls blood glucose concentration by releasing hormones in negative feedback loops
Glucose
the sugar used in respiration (soluble)
Glycogen
a storage carbohydrate found in the liver and muscles (insoluble)
Glucagon
a hormone that stimulates the liver to break down glycogen to glucose
What happens if blood glucose levels are high?
If blood glucose levels are high, the pancreas releases insulin which results in glucose taken in by cells and glucose converted to glycogen in liver. The blood glucose level fall returning to normal level of blood glucose.
What happens if the blood glucose levels are too low?
If the blood glucose levels are too low, the pancreas releases glucagon which results in glycogen being broken down to glucose in the liver and the amino acids/ fats are broken down. The blood glucose level rises returning to the normal level of blood glucose.
Insulin
a hormone created by the pancreas after glucose levels rise.
Type 1 diabetes characteristics
Kidneys excrete glucose in urine, glucose cannot reach cells leading to fatigue, fat and protein broken down as fuel leading to weight loss. This is genetic and developed at a young age.
Type 2 diabetes characteristics
linked to obesity and lack of exercise, genetic tendency
Treating Type 1 diabetes
replacement insulin injection before meals, controlling carbohydrate levels, regular meals, controlled exercise. Cured by: pancreas transplants (difficult, risky, immunosuppressants needed) or transplanting pancreatic stem cells.
Treating type 2 diabetes
balanced diet, losing weight, exercise, drugs – help insulin work more effectively, help pancreas secrete more insulin, reduce the amount of glucose absorbed.
Negative feedback
a system which works to maintain a steady state.