endocrine system

Question 1

what is the role of hormones?

Answer 1

• growth and development
• homeostasis
• reproduction
• many other things in the CCN

Question 2

where do hormones come from?

Answer 2

• endocrine glands and nerves
• target organs that produce hormones as a secondary function

Question 3

what are neurotransmitters?

Answer 3

• chemical messengers released by nerve cells (neurons) that transmit signals to adjacent cells, typically within the nervous system
• they act as synapses - the junctions b/w nerve cells and their target cells (neurons, muscle cells, gland cells)
• can modulate hormone secretion (epinephrine increase, insulin decrease)

Question 4

what are neurohormones?

Answer 4

• neurotransmitters that are released into the bloodstream instead of acting at synapses.
• they travel to distant target cells or glands where they exert their effects.
• they act more broadly on the body, influencing the function of endocrine glands and the release of hormones

Question 5

what is the difference between the two main glands?

Answer 5

• The posterior pituitary releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormones (neurohormones made in the hypothalamus) whereas the anterior pituitary releases many hormones.

Question 6

how does the antidiuretic hormone/vasopressin impact the body?

Answer 6

• plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure/volume
• increased ADH release in response to severe blood loss and dehydration
• increased ADH release with heart failure leads to H20 retention and fluid overload that tends to worsen heart failure symptoms

Question 7

how does oxytocin impact the body?

Answer 7

• implicated social cognition and behavior - low levels associated with autism spectrum disorder
• depression, anxiety, and stress associated with low oxytocin
• levels increase in breastfeeding to initiate milk ejection
• low oxytocin associated with higher levels of perceived pain