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ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY > Endocrine system > Flashcards

Endocrine system Flashcards

1
Q

What is the endocrine system

A

The endocrine system is a messenger system comprising feedback loops of the hormones released by internal glands of an organism directly into the circulatory system, regulating distant target organs.

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2
Q

Name 4 functions of the endocrine system?

A 
Homeostasis
Release hormones to:
Regulate metabolism
Growth and development
Sleep regulation
Sexual function
Reproduction
Mood regulation
Tissue function
Blood pressure regulation
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3
Q

Name 3 types glands in the endocrine system

A 
Pituitary 
Adrenal
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Ovaries/ Testes
Pancreas?
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4
Q

What are hormones?

A

Chemicals released by glands that travel through the bloodstream to reach organs to exert an effect

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5
Q

How is hormone secretion controlled?

A

By negative and positive feedback

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6
Q

What is positive feedback

A

When a gland detects an increase in hormone levels that results in even more secretions to complete an action

i.e: oxytocin release in childbirth to aid contractions

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7
Q

What is negative feedback

A

When glands detect an increase in hormone levels causing them to decrease the amount they are secreting

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8
Q

What are the 3 types of hormones

A

Steroids
Armines
Proteins

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9
Q

What part of the brain controls the endocrine system?

A

The hypothalamus

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10
Q

Where is the hypothalamus located?

A

At the base of the brain

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11
Q

What is the pituitary gland

A

The endocrine’s ‘master gland’ - receives information from the hypothalamus and releases the necessary hormones

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12
Q

Where is the pituitary gland located?

A

It is a small bean shaped gland at the base of the brain, just below hypothalamus

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13
Q

What is the function of the pineal gland?

A

To release melatonin for sleep regulation

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14
Q

What is the main function of the thyroid gland?

A

To release thyroid hormone for metabolic regulation

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15
Q

What happens if someone has hypOthyroidism?

A

Their thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone - can cause slow heart rate, constipation, weight gain, slow movement

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16
Q

What happens if someone has hypERthyroidism

A 
Their thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone
Heart rate increases
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Irritability
Matted fur
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17
Q

Which organ makes glucagon and insulin?

A

Pancreas

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18
Q

Which organ makes estrogen and progesterone?

A

Ovaries

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19
Q

Which organ makes testosterone?

A

Testes

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20
Q

name 2 hormones released by the anterior pituitary gland and their functions

A

Any of:

  • ACTH – adrenocorticotrophic hormones – targets agrenal gland cortex, stimulates release of corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids
  • FSH – follicle stimulating hormone – Sertoli cells in male testes causes spermatogenesis and female growth follicles
  • GROWTH HORMONE – tissue growth and fat deposition
  • LH – Luteinizing hormone – ovaries, ovulation and corpus luteum development, male production of testosterone
  • PROLACTIN – targets mammary glands, stimulate development and mild let down
  • TSH – Thyroid stimulating hormone – causes thyroid gland – produces thyroxine, controls metabolic rate
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21
Q

Name 2 hormones produced by the posterior pituitary gland and their functions

A
  • ADH – Antidiuretic hormone / vasopressin – targets distal convoluted tubule in kidney – increases resorption of water, thus increasing plasma volume, info from baroreceptors trigger secretion
  • OXYTOCIN – targets uterus during parturition (childbirth) and muscles in mammary glands resulting in milk let down (lactation)
22
Q

Name 4 hormones and their functions

A

Melatonin - sleep regulation
Oxytocin - contractions during childbirth, menstrual regulation
Thyroid hormone - metabolism regulation
Growth hormone - growth
ADH - increases absorption of water
Cortisol - increases glucose in bloodstream to enhance brain’s use of glucose in fight or flight mode
Insulin - reduces blood glucose levels
Glucagon - increases blood glucose levels
LH - controls estrogen and testosterone production

23
Q

Where is the pineal gland located?

A

In the brain - specifically deep in the epithalamus (middle of the brain just above the thalamus)

24
Q

What stimulates melatonin secretion from the pineal gland

A

Daylight length / photoperiod

25
Q

Which gland triggers hibernation?

A

Pineal gland (secretes melatonin in response to daylight length)

26
Q

Where is the thyroid located?

A

In the trachea - caudal to larynx

27
Q

What is the thyroid gland comprised of?

A

Follicles

28
Q

Where are C cells found and what do they produce?

A

Found in between thyroid follicles

They produce calcitonin

29
Q

What does calcitonin do?

A

decreases blood calcium

30
Q

Which gland produces calcitonin?

A

Thyroid

31
Q

Which gland produces adrenaline

A

Adrenal glands

32
Q

Where are adrenal glands located?

A

On top of both kidneys

33
Q

Where is the parathyroid gland located?

A

Near to the thyroid gland

34
Q

What does the parathyroid gland produce?

A

Parathyroid hormone - to increase blood calcium

35
Q

Which hormone increases blood calcium?

A

Parathyroid hormone

36
Q

Which 2 hormones control blood calcium levels?

A

Calcitonin - decreases

Parathyroid hormone - increases

37
Q

Which hormone do the kidneys produce?

A

Erythroprotein

38
Q

What is the function of erythroprotein and where is it secreted?

A

Kidneys

Function = the stimulate red blood cell production in bone marrow

39
Q

What are the adrenal glands divided into?

A

The cortex and medulla

40
Q

Which hormones come from the medulla of the adrenal glands?

A

Adrenaline and noradrenaline

41
Q

What is the function of adrenaline and noradrenaline?

A

Adrenaline = prepares body for fight/flight by maximising blood glucose levels

Noradrenaline = the neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system to increase heart rate etc

42
Q

What hormones does the adrenal gland cortex secrete?

A
  • Mineralcorticoids (i.e: aldosterone) – controls sodium and potassium levels
  • Glucorticoids (cortisol) – sex hormones
43
Q

Which part of the pancreas is involved in the endocrine system?

A

Islets of Langerhans

44
Q

Where are alpha and beta cells found?

A

In the pancreas - specifically the islets of Langerhans

45
Q

What do alpha and beta cells produce?

A

Alpha - glucagon

Beta - insulin

46
Q

Where is the pancreas located?

A

it a long, flat gland that lies horizontally behind your stomach

47
Q

What is the function of the pancreas?

A

Plays a role in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels by secreting insulin and glucagon

48
Q

How does the pancreas regulate blood sugar levels?

A

When food is eaten, carbs are converted to glucose
Glucose is absorbed into bloodstream, increasing blood sugar levels
This increase signals the pancreas to produce insulin (from beta cells)
Insulin triggers cells to take in glucose from bloodstream so blood levels drop
4-6 hours after eating, low blood sugar triggers pancreas to produce glucagon
Glucagon signals to liver and muscles to convert stored glycogen into glucose
Glucose is released back into bloodstream to be used by cells for energy

49
Q

What are prostaglandins?

A

A group of lipids made at sites of tissue damage or infection that are involved in dealing with injury and illness. They control processes such as inflammation, blood flow, the formation of blood clots and the induction of labour.

50
Q

What do prostaglandins do?

A

Sustain homeostatic functions and mediate pathogenic mechanisms (including inflammatory response)

51
Q

Which group of lipids mediates the inflammatory response

A

Prostaglandins

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (23 decks)

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