Endocrine System Flashcards
What is endocrine system ?
Influences metabolic activities of cells by means of hormones
Name three major endocrine glands in the human body and one hormone produced by each
thyroid gland (produces thyroxine
Adrenal glands (produce cortisol)
pancreas (produces insulin).
Describe the pathway of insulin release from the pancreas and its effects on blood glucose levels.
When blood glucose levels rise- pancreatic beta cells release insulin into the bloodstream
Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose by cells, particularly in the liver, muscle
This uptake of glucose lowers blood glucose levels, facilitating its storage as glycogen or conversion into fatty acids.
What are the symptoms and consequences of hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, and heat intolerance.
Consequences may include osteoporosis, heart problems like atrial fibrillation
Explain how cortisol affects metabolism and stress response.
Cortisol, often termed the “stress hormone,”
released by the adrenal glands in response to stress
increases blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and inhibiting glucose uptake by tissues.
Cortisol also mobilizes fatty acids and suppresses the immune system.
Discuss the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development.
They regulate neuronal migration, differentiation, and myelination. Insufficient thyroid hormone during fetal development can lead to congenital abnormalities and intellectual disability.
Explain how the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responds to stress.
In response to stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
ACTH then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, which helps the body cope with stress by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing the immune system.
Describe the role of the hypothalamus in regulating the pituitary gland.
he hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that control the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland.
These hormones travel via the bloodstream to the anterior pituitary, where they stimulate or inhibit the release of specific pituitary hormones.
Compare and contrast the mechanisms of action of steroid hormones and peptide hormones.
Steroid hormones, like cortisol and estrogen, diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors, altering gene
Peptide hormones, such as insulin and growth hormone, bind to cell surface receptors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades.
