endocrine Flashcards
Function of the endocrine system
Regulates metabolic activity of target organs and tissues, using chemical substances called hormones.
What is the endocrine system consisted of?
- Endocrine glands: the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, the
parathyroid glands and the suprarenal glands. - Clusters of cells within certain organs (e.g. Islets of Langerhans)
- Endocrine cells (isolated in the epithelium of digestive and
respiratory systems)
General characteristics of endocrine glands
– Absence of excretory ducts
– Highly vascularized
– Cell arranged in cords
What is Endocrine secretion?
Hormone released into blood or lymph vessels, then transported to another part of body, where it acts on target tissues or organs.
What is Paracrina secretion?
Hormone released into immediate vicinity. Neuroendocrine system consist of cells scattered throughout digestive and respiratory systems.
What type od hormones does the endocrine system release?
- Peptides
- Sterioids- cholesterol derived
- Aminoacids and arachudonic acid
Groups of hormone receptors:
- Cell surface receptors
- Intracelullar receptors
What are cell-surface receptors?
Interact with peptide hormones. Generate second messengers.
What are intracellular receptors?
Interact with steroid hormones, thyroid hormones and vit A + D.
Which are the feedback mechamisms?
Negative and positive feedbacks.
How does hypophysis divide?
Adenohypophisis and Neurohypophysis (pars nervosa)
Pars of adenohypophysis:
Distalis, tuberalis, intermedia
Pars of neurohypophysis:
Pars nervosa and infundibulum
Master organ
Pituitary gland and the hypothalamus
What does the superior hypophyseal artery supply?
Capillary network and secondary capillary network in pars distalis
What does the infeerior hypophyseal artery supply?
Pars nervosa
Name 2 chromophils:
Acidophils and basophils
Most abuntant cell type in pituitary gland:
Acidophils
Acidophil types:
- Somatotropes
- Lactotrops
What does somatotrope secrete?
Somatotropin
- Regulated by GHRH
- Inhibited by somatostatin
What does lactotrope secrete?
Prolactin
- Regulated by TRH
- Inhibited by dopamin
Basophil types:
- Thyrotrope
- Gonadotrope
- Corticotrope
What does Thyrotrope secrete?
TSH, thyrotropin, inhibited by negative feedback
What does gonadotrope secrete?
FSH and LH
- Regulated by GnRH and negative feedback
What does corticotrope release?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) - Regulated by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) produced by hypothalamus
What is the best way to identify chromophil?
Immunocytochemistry with specific antibodies against the products (hormones)
What are Herring bodies?
Contain neurosecretory granules. The granules are released and enter fenestrated capillaries.
What does pars nervosa secrete?
- Vasopressin = Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
- Oxytocin