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Module 1 Anatomy > Endocrine > Flashcards

Endocrine Flashcards

1
Q

What is a hormone?

A

A hormone is a chemical messenger manufactured by endocrine glands that has been released into the bloodstream

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2
Q

Define the endocrine system

A

The endocrine system is a collection of glands around the body responsible for

  • manufacturing
  • storing, and
  • releasing

hormones into the blood stream, so that it can be transported to target cells (have hormone specific receptors) distant from the source.

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3
Q

What functions do hormones control?

What kind of action are their effects concerned with?

Why must blood hormone levels be closely regulated within the ‘normal range’?

A

Hormones regulate:

  1. metabolism
  2. growth
  3. reproductive function
  4. body’s stress response

Hormones control processes that require duration of action (length), rather than speed of action, which is provided by the nervous system

Blood hormone levels must be controlled (within ‘normal range’) for homeostasis “standing still”

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4
Q

Why is homeostasis of “normal physiological ranges” necessary?

How do hormones maintain homeostasis?

A

Normal physiological conditions are necessary for normal cellular function: or else our organs and tissues stop working properly.

The activity of hormones (maintenance of homeostasis) is almost always controlled by negative feedback mechanisms. (i.e. if the body goes one way, the hormones take it back a notch the other way)

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5
Q

What are the different types of hormonal signalling?

A

Endocrine

  • Cell is released into the blood stream and transports to cells distant from the source.

Paracrine

  • Chemical signal acts on neighboring cells

Autocrine

  • Chemical sign acts on the cell that released it.
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6
Q

What are the different types of hormonal secretion patterns?

A

Diurnal secretion pattern

  • Predictable over a 24 hour period

Constant secretion pattern

  • Maintenance of physiology function at all times

Episodic secretion pattern

  • Reacts to a specific stimulus and less predictable
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7
Q

What are the different types of tumours and clinical hormonal problems they can cause?

A

A tumour on an endocrine gland can cause an inappropriate magnitude of change in hormonal (cellular) activity

  1. Functioning tumour: too much hormone secreted (hypersecretion)
  2. Non-functioning tumour: destroys endocrine gland and too little hormone secreted (hyposecretion)
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8
Q

Label the regions of the body and their associated endocrine glands

A
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9
Q

Where is the hypothalamus located?

What is the significance of this location?

A

The hypothalamus is located in the Diencephalon, under the thalamus (the diencephalon consists of the thalamus + hypothalamus).

The diencephalon forms the central core of the cerebrum, which has connections to the right and left cerebral hemispheres and the midbrain (the top part of the brainstem)

This is significant because the brainstem is the part of the brain that is continuouswith the spinal cord, and controls the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

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10
Q

Label the diagram

A
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11
Q

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

A

Hypothalamic neurons secrete either:

1. Releasing hormones

  • stimulatethe anterior pituitary to release its hormone(s) into the bloodstream

2. Release-inhibitory hormones

  • prevent the anterior pituitary releasing hormone(s) into the bloodstream
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12
Q

Describe the location and surface anatomy of the pituitary gland

A

The pituitary gland hangs from the hypothalamus. It sits in the hypophyseal fossa of the sphenoid bone (a saddle-shaped depression in the body of the sphenoid bone of the human skull).

It is anatomically and functionally divided into a posterior lobe (also called neurohypophysis) and an anterior lobe.

  • The posterior lobe is a continuation of the hypothalamus via the infundibulum (funnel)
    • Axons project down from the hypothalamus through the infundibulum to the posterior lobe
  • The anterior lobe doesn’t connect to the hypothalamus but rather wraps around the posterior lobe.
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13
Q

What is the pituitary gland referred to? Why?

A

‘Master Gland’ – Hormones secreted from the pituitary control output of many other endocrine glands

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14
Q

Label the diagram

A
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15
Q

What is the function of the posterior pituitary gland?

A

Manufactures two hormones:

Oxytocin

  • Ejection of breast milk
  • Stimulates uterine contraction in childbirth
  • Social bonding (so that you like your child – evolutionary response)

Vasopressin (ADH or antidiuretic hormone)

  • Aids water retention (works in conjunction with kidney)
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16
Q

List the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland

A
  1. Growth hormone (GH)
  2. Prolactin (milk production)
  3. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
  4. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
  5. Lutenising hormone (LH)
  6. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH

2-step process for the anterior pituitary gland secretion:

Dependant upon the hypothalamus secreting release hormones or release-inhibiting hormones, the anterior pituitary gland then acts.

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17
Q

What is a portal system?

How many are there in the body?

List the name and components of the endocrine gland portal system

A

A portal system is two venous capillary beds joined by a portal vein.

There are 2 in the body:

  1. Hepatic Portal System (GI tract: liver)

2. Hypophyseal Portal System (Endocrine System)

  • 1st capillary bed in hypothalamus/infundibulum
  • Hypophyseal portal veins transport hormones produed in hypothalamus via infundibulum
  • 2nd capillary bed in anterior pituitary gland
  • Hypophyseal veins carry blood to SVC
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18
Q

Describe the anatomy of the thyroid gland

A

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland, divided into two lobes which are connected by an isthmus. It is said to have a butterfly shape.

It is located in the anterior and inferior neck, spanning between the C5 and T1 vertebrae.

It wraps around the cricoid cartilage and superior tracheal rings. It is inferior to the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.

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19
Q

Label the diagram

A
20
Q

What are the hormones produced by the thyroid gland (and what does it use to produce them)?

What are their functions?

A

The thyroid gland uses iodine to manufacture the 2 hormones:

  • triiodothyronine (T3)
  • thyroxine(T4)

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism & stimulate growth

We cannot live without T3!!

21
Q

How many parathyroid glands do we have? Where do they lie?

A

4 (2 on each side)

They lie on the back of the lobes of the thyroid gland

22
Q

Label the diagram (including the central gray areas)

A
23
Q

What hormone does the parathyroid gland produce?

What is the function of the hormone? Why is it important?

What is unique about the hormone?

A
  • Manufacture & secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH)
  • PTH controls the amount of calcium in blood and bone
  • Normal muscle & nerve function depends on blood Ca++ levels being in the normal range
  • PTH is NOT under pituitary control (the glands monitor blood Ca++and respond directly)
24
Q

Describe the blood supply (arterial and venous) of the thyroid and parathyroid glands

A

Thyroid arteries:

  1. Right and left superior thyroid arteries branch from the right and left common carotid arteries
  2. Right and left inferior thyroid arteries branch from right and left subclavian arteries
  3. Thyroid ima artery: a variant. Varies as to where it branches off from (could be braciocephalic trunk, the arch of the aorta, the right common carotid artery or even the subclavian vein). If it is centrally over the trachea, a tracheotomy should not be made in the center as it will cut the artery

Thyroid veins:

  1. Right and left super thyroid vein drains into right and left internal jugular vein
  2. Right and left middle thyroid vein drains into right and left internal jugular vein
  3. Right and left inferior thyroid vein both drain into LEFT braciocephalic vein
25
Q

Label each structure

A
26
Q
A
27
Q

Label the diagram

A
28
Q

What are the different parts of the pancreas and their functions?

What is unique about it?

A

It has 2 anatomically & functionally distinct parts:

  1. The endocrine pancreas manufactures various hormones:
    * Insulin is secreted into the blood in response to islet of Langerhans cells detecting increased blood glucose
  2. The exocrine pancreas manufactures digestive enzymes & secretes them via a duct system into the duodenum

The pancreas is NOT under the control of the pituitary gland

29
Q

Describe the two types of diabetes

A

Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 - Failure to produce insulin (pancreatic cells hyposecreting)

Type 2 -Target cells fail to respond to insulin

30
Q

Label the diagram

A

The pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct

31
Q

What is the difference between Endocrine vs Exocrine glands?

A

An exocrine gland is one that secretes its products via ducts (i.e. not directly into the bloodstream)

An endocrine gland secretes is products directly into the bloodstream

32
Q

Describe the anatomical location of the pancreas

A
  • Retroperitoneum
  • Between duodenum and spleen:
    • head curved into duodenum
    • tip of the pancreas towards spleen (can affect each other if either inflamed)
  • Overlying L1/L2 vertebra
  • Anterior to aorta and IVC
    • superior mesenteric artery and vein just behind neck of pancreas (IMPORTANT: pancreatic tumours can bulge and disrupt this blood supply)
  • Posterior to stomach: just behind stomach
33
Q

Label the diagram

A
34
Q

Label the diagram

A
35
Q

Describe the pancreas’ blood supply

A

Remember the pancreas is a FOREGUT AND MIDGUT STRUCTURE

Arterial blood supply from both;

  • Coeliac trunk
  • Superior mesenteric artery

Venous blood drains into both;

  • Splenic vein
  • Superior mesenteric vein
  • Then into the hepatic portal vein
36
Q

Describe the anatomy of the adrenal glands (location + description)

A
  • Retroperitoneum
  • On top of the kidneys
  • Separated from kidney by a fascial septum

Two anatomical and functional parts:

  • Outer adrenal cortex
  • Inner adrenal medulla
37
Q

Name and list the functions of the adrenal hormones

A
  1. Adrenal Cortex (outer). Hormones released:
  • Glucocorticoids (under pituitary ACTH control): influence metabolic rates of protein, fat and sugars (Cortisol)
  • Mineralocorticoids: regulate salt balance and impact on blood volume/pressure
  • Androgens: male sex hormone
  1. Adrenal Medulla (inner). Hormones released:
  • Adrenaline
  • Noradrenaline

Both involved in fight or flight response

38
Q

Describe the fight or flight response

A
  • Fear
  • serious illness or
  • injury

activates sympathetic division of nervous system

= organs react in self-preservation manner

= the reaction includes stimulation of the adrenal medulla to secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream

Both fight or flight need increased blood supply to limbs

With increased response our pupils dilate: allow more light in to get more sensory input from environment

39
Q

Label all arteries and veins in the diagram (not just the arrowed ones)

A
40
Q

Describe the blood supply to the adrenal glands

A

Arterial supply is symmetric on each side

  • Superior suprarenal arteries (multiple) branch off the inferior phrenic artery on that side (which comes from the abdominal aorta)
  • The Middle suprarenal artery branches directly off the abdominal aorta
  • The Inferior suprarenal artery branches from the renal artery on that side (which comes from the abdominal aorta)

Venous supply is asymmetric

  • The right suprarenal vein drains directly into the IVC
  • The left suprarenal vein drains into the left renal vein which drains into the IVC
41
Q

Describe the nutcracker syndrome

A

The nutcracker syndrome (NCS) results most commonly from the compression of the left renal vein (LRV) between the abdominal aorta (AA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The name derives from the fact that, in the sagittal plane, the SMA and AA (with some imagination) appear to be a nutcracker crushing a nut (the renal vein).

42
Q

What hormone do the testes secrete ( and in response to which hormone)?

What is the function of the testicular hormone?

A

Testes secrete testosterone in response to LH (Lutenising hormone) from the anterior pituitary

Testosterone controls:

  • Male secondary sex characteristics
  • Closure of epiphyseal growth plates
  • Stimulate sperm production
43
Q

Where are the testes located?

A

In the scrotum of the male perineum

44
Q

What hormones do the ovaries secrete (and in response to what)?

What are the functions of the ovarian hormones?

A

Secrete oestrogen & progesterone in response to FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) & LH (Lutenising Hormone) from the anterior pituitary

  • Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy (p for pregnancy)
  • Oestrogen controls: (o for ovum)
    • Female secondary sex characteristics
    • Ovum development
45
Q

Label the diagram

A
46
Q

What is the broad ligament of the uterus?

A

The broad ligament of the uterus is the wide fold of peritoneum that connects the sides of the uterus to the walls and floor of the pelvis. It is parietal peritoneum.

47
Q

Label all relevant arteries and veins (not just arrows)

A

Module 1 Anatomy (8 decks)

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