Endocrine system Flashcards
What is a tropic hormone?
Give an example
A hormone which stimulates another hormone gland, continuing the message.
e.g. thyroid stimulating hormone
What is a non-tropic hormone?
Give an example
A hormone who’s target cell is non endocrine tissue, which produces an end result.
e.g. thyroid hormone
What is the purpose of the hypothalamus?
“master gland”
controller of autonomic functions
Give 2 examples of a hormone which the hypothalamus produces
vasopressin and oxytocin
What is the anterior pituitary gland’s function?
Controlling other hormonal glands
Responding to other hormones
What is the posterior pituitary gland’s function?
secretion of vasopressin and oxytocin
What is the pineal gland’s function?
melatonin release
How is melatonin production/secretion delayed in bright light?
IpRGCs detect light, and innervate SCN so pass the message along, SCN innervates the pineal gland, so production is paused
What gland produces thyroxine, and what is its function?
Thyroid gland
Metabolism regulation
What are the symptoms of an overactive thyroid (thyroxine)?
warmth, irritability, reduced concentration
What are the symptoms of an underactive thyroid (thyroxine)?
coldness, fatigue, sluggishness
What are the functions of the adrenal glands?
Control kidney function
Control bodily fluid concentrations
Maintain blood pressure
Maintain blood salt levels
What is the function of the adrenal cortex?
Give an example of a hormone that it releases
Essential to life hormone release
e.g. cortisol - increases blood glucose levels
What is the function of the adrenal medulla?
Give an example of a hormone that it releases
Release of stress hormones - induces sympathetic nervous system
e.g. adrenaline
What is positive feedback?
When levels of a hormone/other substance are high, synthesis is reduced to reduce levels
