Endocrine System Flashcards
What hormones increase glucose concentration?
Insulin, Glucagon, Cortisol, Epinephrine, Growth Hormone
These hormones play a vital role in glucose metabolism and regulation.
What are the Pancreatic Islets also known as?
Islets of Langerhans
Named after the German physician Paul Langerhans who discovered them.
What is the primary function of the Islets of Langerhans?
Regulation of blood glucose levels
They secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
What hormone is secreted by the beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans?
Insulin
Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular uptake.
What hormone is secreted by the alpha cells in the Islets of Langerhans?
Glucagon
Glucagon raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver.
Fill in the blank: The Islets of Langerhans are located in the _______.
Pancreas
True or False: The Islets of Langerhans contain only beta cells.
False
They contain multiple cell types, including alpha and delta cells.
What role do delta cells play in the Islets of Langerhans?
Secrete somatostatin
Somatostatin inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon.
List the three main types of cells found in the Islets of Langerhans.
- Alpha cells
- Beta cells
- Delta cells
What is the effect of insulin on the liver?
Stimulates glycogen synthesis
This process helps to lower blood glucose levels.
What triggers the release of glucagon from the Islets of Langerhans?
Low blood glucose levels
Glucagon release is stimulated when blood sugar levels drop.
Fill in the blank: The Islets of Langerhans are composed of _______ cells.
Endocrine
What is the corpus luteum?
A temporary endocrine structure in the ovaries that produces progesterone and estrogen after ovulation.
It forms from the follicle that housed the ovum and plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
What hormone does the corpus luteum primarily produce?
Progesterone
Progesterone is essential for preparing the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg.
True or False: The corpus luteum is permanent.
False
The corpus luteum is temporary and typically lasts about 14 days unless pregnancy occurs.
What happens to the corpus luteum if pregnancy does not occur?
It degenerates into the corpus albicans.
This degeneration leads to a decrease in hormone levels, triggering menstruation.
Fill in the blank: The corpus luteum forms from the _______.
[follicle]
Specifically, it forms from the follicle that has released an ovum during ovulation.
What additional hormone, besides progesterone, does the corpus luteum produce?
Estrogen
Estrogen produced by the corpus luteum helps maintain the uterine lining.
During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the corpus luteum develop?
Luteal phase
This phase occurs after ovulation and before menstruation.
What is the fate of the corpus luteum if pregnancy occurs?
It continues to produce hormones to support the pregnancy.
The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the placenta, which signals the corpus luteum to persist.
What are thymosins?
Thymosins are a group of hormones produced by the thymus gland that play a crucial role in immune function and T-cell development.
Thymosins are implicated in the maturation of T-lymphocytes, which are essential for adaptive immunity.
What is the primary function of thymosins?
The primary function of thymosins is to promote the development and differentiation of T-cells in the immune system.
This process is vital for the body’s ability to respond to infections and diseases.
Fill in the blank: Thymosins are produced by the _______.
[thymus gland]
True or False: Thymosins play a role in the development of B-cells.
False
Thymosins specifically influence T-cell development, not B-cells.
List two key roles of thymosins in the immune system.
- Promote T-cell development
- Enhance immune response
How do thymosins affect the immune system?
Thymosins enhance the immune response by facilitating the maturation of T-cells, which are crucial for identifying and eliminating pathogens.
This includes both helper T-cells and cytotoxic T-cells.
What is Leptin?
A hormone produced by adipose (fat) tissue that helps to regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger.
What is the primary function of Leptin?
To signal the brain regarding energy storage and regulate appetite.
True or False: Leptin levels increase with body fat.
True
Fill in the blank: Leptin is produced by _______.
[adipose tissue]
How does Leptin affect hunger?
It inhibits hunger.
What condition is associated with Leptin resistance?
[Obesity]
What role does Leptin play in metabolism?
It helps to regulate energy expenditure.
List two factors that can influence Leptin levels.
- Body fat percentage
- Sleep patterns
True or False: Leptin only affects appetite and has no impact on metabolism.
False
Fill in the blank: Leptin levels are generally _______ in individuals with obesity.
[elevated]
What is ghrelin?
Ghrelin is a hormone produced mainly in the stomach that stimulates appetite.
What is the primary function of ghrelin?
The primary function of ghrelin is to signal hunger to the brain.
Ghrelin is often referred to as what?
Ghrelin is often referred to as the ‘hunger hormone’.
Where is ghrelin primarily produced?
Ghrelin is primarily produced in the stomach.
True or False: Ghrelin levels increase before meals and decrease after eating.
True
Fill in the blank: Ghrelin plays a role in regulating _______.
[energy balance]
What are the effects of ghrelin on the body aside from appetite stimulation?
Ghrelin affects metabolism, growth hormone release, and may influence sleep and mood.
How does ghrelin interact with other hormones?
Ghrelin interacts with hormones such as leptin, which signals satiety.
What condition is associated with elevated ghrelin levels?
Elevated ghrelin levels are associated with obesity.
What role does ghrelin play in weight loss?
Ghrelin levels typically increase during weight loss, which can stimulate appetite.
What is Calcitonin abbreviated as?
CT
What is the primary function of Calcitonin?
Lowers blood calcium levels
Where is Calcitonin produced in the body?
Thyroid gland
True or False: Calcitonin promotes the excretion of calcium in the kidneys.
True
Calcitonin inhibits the activity of which type of cells?
Osteoclasts
Fill in the blank: Calcitonin plays a role in _______ regulation.
Calcium
What effect does Calcitonin have on bone remodeling?
Inhibits bone resorption
Calcitonin is primarily involved in which physiological process?
Calcium homeostasis
What triggers the release of Calcitonin?
Increased blood calcium levels
What is the chemical name for Epi?
Epinephrine
Also known as Adrenaline
What is the chemical name for Nr?
Norepinephrine
The 2 separate glands that make up the adrenal gland
Adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla