endocrine system and respiratory Flashcards
endocrinology
the scientific study of hormones and endocrine glands.
what processes do hormones control
reproduction
growth and development
mobilizing body defences against stressors
maintaining electrolyte
water and nutrient balance of the blood
regulating cellular metabolism and energy balance.
what are hormones
Hormones are chemical substances secreted by endocrine cells into the extracellular fluids that regulate the metabolic activity of other cells in the body.
what are the classifications of hormones
1) amino acid-base molecules- including proteins, peptides and amines
2) steroids- they are made from cholesterol. include the sex hormones and the hormones produced by the adrenal cortex
3) prostaglandins- hormones that act locally. they are made from highly active lipids released from nearly all cell membranes.
what is target cells or organs
cells where the hormone activity occurs
what are hormones able to do?
-change plasma membrane permeability or membrane potential (electrical state) by opening or closing ion channels
-activate or inactivate enzymes
-stimulate or inhibit cell division
-promote or inhibit secretion of a product
-turn on or turn off transcription of certain genes (such as those encoding proteins or regulatory molecules)
describe the process of direct gene activation and which hormones undergo this type of action?
Steroid and Thyroid hormones
- Because steroid hormones are lipid-soluble molecules, the steroid hormones can diffuse through the plasma membrane of target cells.
- The steroid hormones enter the nucleus.
- And binds to a specific hormone receptor.
- The hormone receptor complex then binds to specific sites on the cells DNA.
- Activating certain genes to transcribe messenger RNA (mRNA).
- The mRNA is translated in the cytoplasm, resulting in the synthesis of new proteins.
describe the process of second messenger system and which hormones undergo this system?
Amino-acid based hormones
- The hormone (first messenger) binds to the receptor protein on the membrane.
- The activated receptor sets off a series of reactions that activates an enzyme.
- The enzyme, catalyses reactions that produce second-messenger molecules.
- cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) oversees additional intracellular changes that promote the typical response of the target cell to the hormone.
what is a hormonal stimulus
The most common stimulus in which endocrine organs are prodded into action by other hormones. for example the hormones of the hypothalamus stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to secrete its hormones and many ant pituitary hormones stimulate other endocrine organs to release their hormones into the blood.
bloodborne chemicals
what is a humoral stimulus
Changing blood levels of certain ions and nutrients may also stimulate hormone release.
Example a decreasing blood calcium ion level in the capillaries serving the parathyroid glands prompts the release of parathyroid hormone.
what is a neural stimulus
When nerve fibers from the nervous system stimulate hormone release and the endocrine cells respond to neural stimuli
what is the major difference between endocrine and exocrine glands
Endocrine glands are ductless glands that produce hormones that they release directly into the blood or lymph (Endocrine glands have a rich blood supply).
The exocrine glands release their products at the body’s surface or into body cavities through ducts (Exocrine glands have a exit).
which part of the pituitary gland is formed from nerves and which into direct blood
nerve fibers- posterior pituitary gland
blood- anterior pituitary gland
which two hormones does the posterior pituitary gland produce
-ADH (Antidiuretic hormone)
-Oxytocin
which hormones does the Anterior pituitary gland produce
-GH (Growth hormone)
-FSH
-LH
-Thyrotrophic hormone
-Adrenocorticotropic hormone
-prolactin
What is the function of Oxytocin
Peptide- Stimulates contraction of the uterus and the milk reflex.
What is the function of ADH
Peptide- Promotes retention of water by the kidneys.
What is the function of Growth Hormone (GH)
Protein- Stimulates growth especially of bones and muscles and metabolism.
It causes fats to be broken down and used for energy while it spares glucose, helping to maintain blood sugar levels.
What is the function of Prolactin
Protein- Stimulates milk production after childbirth in the mothers breast. Function in men is not known.
What is the function of FSH in both men and women
Women- Stimulates follicular development in the ovaries.
Men- Stimulates sperm development by the testes.
What is the function of LH in both men and women
Women- Triggers ovulation of an egg from the ovary.
Men- Stimulates testosterone production by the interstitial cells of the testes.
What is the function of TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone)
stimulates metabolism
What is the function of Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids
What are the characteristics of hormones from anterior pituitary
- are proteins (peptides)
-act through second messenger systems
-regulated by hormonal stimuli and in most cases negative feedback
what is the function of melatonin
Appears to be secreted in substantial amounts. the level of melatonin rises and falls during the course of the day and night. melatonin is believed to be the “sleep trigger” and plays an important role in the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
it is believed to coordinate the hormones of fertility and to inhibit the reproductive system until the body matures.
What two hormones does the thyroid gland produce
Thyroid hormone
Calcitonin
What is the function of calcitonin
Decreases the blood calcium ion level by causing calcium to be deposited in the bones.
Explain how calcitonin is used in regulating calcium levels in the blood
A high blood calcium level:
The stimulus in the Blood is a high level of calcium which leads to the thyroid gland releasing calcitonin and then calcitonin stimulates calcium salt to be deposited in the bone, which then lowers the calcium levels in the blood.
A Low blood calcium level:
The stimulus is a low level of calcium in the blood which stimulates the parathyroid gland to release parathyroid hormone, which makes osteoclasts degrade bone matrix and release it into the blood in order to increase the calcium levels in the blood.
what hormone does the thymus release
Thymosin
what is the function of thymosin
The thymus produces Thymosin and others that appear to be essential for normal development of a special group of white blood cells (T lymphocytes) and the immune response.