Endocrine System Flashcards
Communication in the endocrine system =
maintaining homeostasis
What are the two components of intercellular communication?
- target/recipient
- messenger molecule/sender/signaler
Receptors are typically what kind of molecules?
proteins
What are the four types of communication?
- direct
- paracrines
- synaptic communication
- endocrine
How does direct communication transmit signals?
through gap junctions
What kind of signals are sent through direct communication?
ions, small solutes, lipid-soluble materials
What is the distribution (take place) of signals done by direct communication?
limited to adjacent cells of the same type that are interconnected
How does paracrine communication transmit signals?
through extracellular/interstitial fluid
What kind of signals are sent through paracrine communication?
paracrines
What is the distribution of signals done by paracrine communication?
primarily limited to local areas where paracrine concentrations are high
How does synaptic communication transmit signals?
across synapses
What kind of signals are sent through synaptic communication?
neurotransmitters
What is the distribution of signals done by synaptic communication?
limited to very specific areas; target cells must have appropriate receptors
How does endocrine communication transmit signals?
through the bloodstream/vessels
What kind of signals are sent through endocrine communication?
hormones
What is the distribution of signals done by endocrine communication?
target/receptors cells are mainly in other distant tissues and organs and must have appropriate receptors
The endocrine system is composed of what?
glands and groups of specialized cells
What are the types of endocrine system glands?
endocrine and exocrine
How do exocrine glands function?
exocrine glands release their substances through the squeezing or contracting of a duct onto the surface of the skin.
How do endocrine glands function?
endocrine glands are solid mass of cells that release hormones through exocytosis into the bloodstream
What are the possible effects once a hormone reaches its target/receptor?
- Stimulate protein synthesis
- Increase/decrease rate of synthesis
- Alter activity of existing protein
Define a hormone
A chemical substance that has an action on a particular cell type.
What is the action of a hormone?
Bind to a receptor at the target cell.
When the number of receptors vary with time the receptor site may undergo what?
Up-regulation or down-regulation
Up-regulation does what to the sensitivity to messenger molecules?
increases sensitivity
Down-regulation does what to the sensitivity to messenger molecules?
deceases sensitivity
What are the three classifications of hormones?
- amino acids
- peptides
- lipid derivatives
What are the two amino acids that act as hormones?
- Tyrosine
- Tryptophan
How is the target of a hormone determined?
the target will have receptors for that hormone
Tryosine makes up what kinds of hormones?
- thyroid hormones
- Catecholamines
What are examples of catecholamines?
epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine
Tryptophan is a precursor to what hormone?
melatonin
What is a peptide?
a chain of amino acids
What kind of peptides act as hormones?
glycoproteins and short polypeptides
What are examples of glycoproteins?
TSH, LH, FSH
What are examples of short polypeptides?
ADH, growth hormone
What kinds of lipid derivatives act as hormones?
Eicosanoids and sterioid hormones
What are examples of eicosanoids?
prostaglandins and leukotrienes
Steroid hormones are made up of what?
cholesterol
What are examples of steroid hormones?
estrogen, testosterone, and corticosteroids
How does one classify hormones?
- number of receptors
- chemical classification
- receptor location
- response of target
- regulation of secretion
Where are receptors located?
- on the cell surface/membrane or
- intracellular :cytosol or nucleus
What happens when a hormone binds to a receptor on the surface of the cell?
it triggers the activation of the G protein inside the cell
What does the G protein produce?
produces a second messenger molecule
What are examples of G proteins/2nd messenger?
cAMP, cGMP, Ca+2
What does the activation of a G protein cause?
Set a cascade of reactions in motion
Set a cascade of reactions in motion aka….
amplification
What is the overall effect of binding to a receptor on the cell surface?
Alter activity of enzymes already present
Receptors attached to the cell membrane/surface have hormones that are what?
water-soluble
What are examples of the water-soluble hormones?
Catecholamines, peptides, eicosanoids