Endocrine basics

Question 1

What is the purpose of the endocrine system?

Answer 1

Regulate metabolism, growth & development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood.

Question 2

What are the components of the endocrine system?

Answer 2

Pituitary gland
Thyroid gland
Parathyroid gland
Adrenal gland
Pancreas
Ovary/testes

Question 3

Describe the two types of hormone?

Answer 3

1. Stored in granules: pre-made and stored, released when needed
2. Newly synthesised: made when needed

Question 4

Give an example of both types of hormone.

Answer 4

Stored in granules - pituitary growth hormone

Newly synthesised - steroids such as cortisol

Question 5

What is a negative feedback loop?

Answer 5

A system that responds when conditions change from the ideal. It returns conditions to this ideal point.

The mechanism inhibits the original stimulus

Question 6

What is a positive feedback loop?

Answer 6

Opposite of negative feedback loop.

The mechanism enhances the original stimulus bringing it further away from the ideal

Question 7

Give and example of negative feedback.

Answer 7

Control of blood glucose:

If it changes from the norm, insulin or glucagon act to bring it back to the norm

Question 8

Give an example of positive feedback.

Answer 8

Child birth:
During labour oxytocin is released which causes more intense and frequent contractions. More contractions cause more oxytocin to be released and so on.