Chapter 10: The Endocrine System

Question 1

How is the anterior pituitary gland different from the posterior pituitary gland?

Answer 1

Anterior vs. Posterior Pituitary Gland:

• Anterior Pituitary:
  
  • Produces its own hormones
  • Secretion controlled by the hypothalamus
• Posterior Pituitary:
  
  • Does not produce hormones, stores and releases hormones from the hypothalamus

Question 2

Graphs:

Blood sugar levels vs time after a meal (In terms of glucagon & insulin)
* What happens for someone with: diabetes, too little glucagon, a healthy pancreas?

Answer 2

Key Observations on the Graph:
- Healthy Pancreas: Blood sugar rises after a meal, then stabilizes back to normal levels as insulin is released.
- Diabetes: Blood sugar rises more significantly and stays elevated for a longer time due to insulin dysfunction.
- Too Little Glucagon: After a meal, blood sugar may drop too low because glucagon is not available to raise blood sugar when needed.

Question 3

What specific hormones are stored and released from the posterior pituitary; what is their function?

Answer 3

• Hormones:
  
  • Oxytocin:
• Childbirth: Triggers uterine contractions to initiate and progress labor.
• Lactation: Stimulates milk let-down from the breasts after childbirth.
• Social Bonding: Facilitates feelings of trust, intimacy, and connection with others.
• Emotional Regulation: May contribute to reducing stress and anxiety.
  
  • ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone): Regulates water balance, promotes water reabsorption in kidneys, reduces urine output