Endocrine System Flashcards
Name some of the bodily processes that hormones help control.
Reproduction, growth, mobilization of body defenses, maintenance of homeostasis, metabolism
What are the chemical classifications of hormones?
Steroids - made from cholesterol
Non-steroid - amino acid based examples proteins, peptides, amines
Describe direct gene action
Hormones attach onto specific receptors on the cell membrane
Describe second messenger system
The hormones send signals to messenger cells and they relay the message to receptors inside the cell
Describe the relationship between the hypothalamus and a pituitary gland
Hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to secrete hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to secrete other hormones
Describe the pineal gland
Found on third ventricle, secretes melatonin and possibly coordinates fertility
Describe the anterior pituitary gland
Controls secretion of GH, PRL, ACTH, TSH, FSH, and LH
Describe the posterior pituitary gland
Secretes oxytocin and ADH
Describe the thyroid gland
Produces thyroid hormones and calcitonin
Describe the parathyroid gland
Tiny masses on posterior side of thyroid gland. They secrete PTH.
Describe the thymus gland
Produces thymosin in childhood to mature white blood cells and develops immune system.
Describe the adrenal medulla
Sits on top of kidney. Produces epinephrine and norepinephrine
Describe the adrenal cortex
Outer layer produces aldosterone. Production is stimulated by renin and inhibited by atrial natriuretic peptide. Middle layer produces cortisol to keep blood glucose and stress levels normal. Release stimulated by elevated levels of ACTH. Sex hormones are produced in the deepest layer, mostly androgens but some estrogen too.
Describe the pancreas in relation to the endocrine system
Islets produce insulin and glycogen which stimulates liver to break down glycogen into glucose.
What is GH? What are some associated diseases?
Growth hormone controls growth of skeletal muscles and long bones. Hyposecretion in childhood leads to dwarfism and hypersecretion leads to gigantism. Hypersecretion in adults leads to acromegaly.
