Endocrine System Flashcards
Why do hormones travelling throughout the body affect only some (target) cells?
Because only the target cells have receptors for that hormone
What is the ‘master’ gland of the body and where is it located?
It is the pituitary gland which is located in the brain
Which hormone regulates growth and repair of the body and which gland is it released from?
HGH - human growth hormone
released from anterior pituitary
Which two hormones are secreted by the posterior pituitary gland?
ADH - antidiuretic hormone
Oxytosin
Which gland regulates the basal metabolic rate of the body?
Thyroid gland
- What does the hormone calcitonin do?
2. How does it do it?
- It can decrease levels of calcium in the blood
2. By inhibiting the action of osteoclats (cells that break down bone)
Which 2 hormones control the amount of glucose in the blood?
- Glucagon (increases blood glucose when too low)
2. Insulin (helps glucose move from blood to cells)
Which group of hormones increase glucose availability to the cells, act as anti inflammatories and suppress the immune system?
Glucocorticoids (cortisol is the main one)
Which gland secretes the neurotransmitters adrenalin and noradrenalin?
Adrenal medulla
What is diabetes mellitus?
A group of related disorders that result in hyperglycemia (high sugar levels in blood)
What is the disease process (etiology) in diabetes mellitus?
1 - glucose & fats build up in blood as either insulin is in short supply or because receptor cells have developed a resistance (or both!)
- without insulin the body can’t burn glucose and instead burns stored fat reserves, then protein, then muscle tissue.
- These fuel sources don’t burn cleanly and leave behind toxic debris which is largely responsible for complications associated with diabetes.
What is Insulin Resistance?
It is a condition where a given concentration of insulin does not have expected effect on cellular uptake of blood glucose.
- What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus?
2. Why is it so important symptoms are recognised early?
- polyuria (frequent urination)
- polydispia (excessive thirst)
- polyphagia (increased appetite)
- As the disease can cause:
- neuropathy (nerve damage)
- impaired vision
- kidney dysfunction
Outline the 6 possible complications of diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease - metabolised fat and proteins leaves residue which leads to atherosclerosis
- Oedema - due to sluggish blood return
- Ulcers, gangrene and amputations - due to increased blood flow from plaques
- Kidney disease - renal vessels which connect the kidneys get clogged with plaques very easily. Additionally, excess blood sugar is a powerful diuretic which places strain on the kidneys.
- Impaired vision - capilaries of the eyes can become thickened, depriving the eye cells of nutrition.
- Neuropathy - nerve damage from lack of capillary circulation and excess sugar in blood.
Distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Type 1:
- onset under 30yrs
- more serious
- killer T cells attack parts of beta cells in pancreas where insulin is produced
- result is lifelong insulin deficiency
Type 2:
- 80% of people with this are overweight
- can often be controlled with diet and exercise
The reason for onset varies, can be:
1. high carb diet which wears out pancreas and insulin producing cells are less efficient
2. incoming glucose levels are too high
3. target cells have fewer receptor sites to receive the insulin
