Ch. 4 Flashcards
How does the endocrine system maintain homeostasis?
through hormones
What is the neuroendocrine system?
endocrine + nervous system
How is the endocrine system defined?
all tissues or glands that secrete hormones
The endocrine system secretes hormones directly to where?
the blood
Where are hormones transported to?
to specific target cells that have specific hormone receptors
Where are the main hormones from the endocrine system around?
metabolism, electrolytes, and fluid
Where are steroid hormones derived from?
cholesterol
Why are steroid hormones able to diffuse through membranes?
they’re lipid soluble
What are the four major glands that secrete steroid hormones?
adrenal cortex, ovaries, placenta, and testes
How are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol?
they have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol
Nonsteroid hormones are not?
lipid soluble so they cannot cross membranes
What two groups are nonsteroid hormones divided into?
protein/peptide hormones and amino-acid derived hormones
What type of hormone are most nonsteroid hormones?
protein/peptide hormones
Where are protein/peptide hormones from?
the pancreas and pituitary gland
What are some amino-acid derived hormones?
thyroid and adrenal medulla hormones
How are hormones secreted?
in bursts (pulsatile)
What is secretion regulated by?
negative feedback
Hormone release causes what in the body?
changes
High level of downstream changes the secretion by?
decreasing it
Low level of downstream changes the secretion by?
increasing it
What is the primary mechanism through which the endocrine system maintains homeostasis?
negative feedback
What is downregulation?
a decrease in the number of receptors during high concentration (DESENSITIZE)
What is upregulation?
an increase in the number of receptors during high plasma concentration (SENSITIVE)
If there is no hormone receptor on a cell’s surface then?
there is no hormone effect