Brain, Hormones, Nervous System

Question 1

5-alpha-reductase

Answer 1

An enzyme that is primarily known for converting testosterone to DHT, most commonly found on the face and scalp.

Question 2

Adiponectin

Answer 2

Adiponectin is a hormone that’s produced and secreted by fat cells, or adipocytes. It plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels and breaking down fatty acids in the body. Higher levels of adiponectin are linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It’s also involved in controlling inflammation. Unlike many hormones, adiponectin levels are typically lower in people with more body fat, which is part of why obesity can lead to health problems.

Question 3

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Answer 3

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced by the pituitary gland. Its key function is to stimulate the production and release of cortisol from the cortex (outer part) of the adrenal gland.

Question 4

Corticotropin-releasing hormone

Answer 4

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is the central regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the main organizer of the body’s response to stress. It is secreted by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus which, among other functions, releases hormones.

Question 5

Endocrine glands

Answer 5

Endocrine glands are glands that secrete substances directly into the bloodstream, including adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands.

Question 6

Enteroendocrine cells

Answer 6

Enteroendocrine cells are responsible for the regulation of appetite, digestion, intestinal absorption, and motility.

Question 7

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA)

Answer 7

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is best known as the primary regulator of the body’s stress response, connecting three hormone-secreting glands.

Question 8

Hypothalamus

Answer 8

The hypothalamus is a small neuroendocrine structure that regulates hormone secretion in the pituitary gland.

Question 9

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 9

The parasympathetic nervous system is the part of the autonomic nervous system that calms down the body, in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system which activates the fight-or-flight response.

Question 10

Pituitary gland

Answer 10

The pituitary gland is a hormone-secreting gland that sits just below the hypothalamus.

Question 11

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer 11

The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the autonomic nervous system that controls the fight or flight response in reaction to stressors.

Question 12

Vagus nerve

Answer 12

The vagus nerve is the main parasympathetic nerve of the body, transmitting signals from the gut and heart to the brain to modulate immune and inflammatory responses.

Question 13

Central nervous system

Answer 13

This consists of the brain and the spinal cord. It is the main processing center for the nervous system where it receives information, processes it, and then orchestrates responses based on the perceived information.

Question 14

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 14

This encompasses all the nerves outside of the CNS and connects the CNS to limbs and organs. It is further divided into the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion. The autonomic system is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which have opposing effects on the body’s organs and help to maintain homeostasis.

Question 15

Somatic nervous system

Answer 15

The somatic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that is responsible for voluntary movements and the perception of sensory information. It contains motor neurons that control skeletal muscles, allowing for actions such as walking and lifting, and sensory neurons that convey information from the sensory receptors (like those in the skin, muscles, and joints) to the central nervous system. This sensory-motor system is crucial for responding to the external environment and facilitating interactions with it through conscious control of muscles and the processing of sensory information.

Question 16

autonomic nervous system

Answer 16

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary and automatic bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and pupil dilation. Includes both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Question 17

Thyroid gland

Answer 17

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. It produces thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

Question 18

Pregnenolone

Answer 18

It seems you might be referring to “Pregnenolone,” which is a precursor steroid hormone. Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol and serves as the foundational compound from which all other steroid hormones are produced, including progesterone, cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, and testosterone. It’s produced in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain, and plays a role in the functioning of the central nervous system, potentially influencing mood and memory. As a precursor to various hormones, its levels and balance are crucial for overall hormonal health.

Question 19

humoral signals

Answer 19

Humoral signals refer to the transmission of information in the body through substances in the blood or other bodily fluids. These substances, often hormones or other chemical messengers, are secreted by glands or tissues and travel through the bloodstream to target organs or cells, where they exert specific effects. This type of signaling is crucial for coordinating complex bodily functions, such as metabolism, growth, and immune responses.

Question 20

neuropeptide

Answer 20

A neuropeptide is a small protein-like molecule used by neurons (nerve cells) to communicate with each other. These molecules are similar to neurotransmitters, but are typically longer and have more complex structures. Neuropeptides are involved in a wide range of brain functions, such as pain perception, reward, food intake, metabolism, reproduction, social behaviors, learning, and memory. They are synthesized and released by neurons and act by binding to specific receptors on the surface of target cells, often with longer-lasting effects than neurotransmitters. Examples of neuropeptides include endorphins, which are involved in pain relief and feelings of pleasure, and substance P, involved in the pain response.

Question 21

prolactin

Answer 21

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, and in men, it plays a role in modulating immune functions and possibly influencing reproductive health. While its functions in men are not as well understood as in women, high levels of prolactin in men can lead to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Factors that can cause elevated prolactin levels include stress, certain medications (like antipsychotics and antidepressants), pituitary tumors (prolactinomas), and conditions affecting the hypothalamus.