Endocrine System: Components and Function Flashcards

1
Q

Endocrine glands

A

Functions:
1. Differentiates: Reproductive and nervous systems in the developing fetus

  1. Stimulates: Sequential growth and development during childhood and adolescence
  2. Coordinates: Male and female reproductive systems
  3. Maintains: Optimal internal environment
  4. Initiates: Corrective and adaptive responses when emergency demands occur
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2
Q

Hormones

A

Chemical messengers/communicators

Types of hormones:

  1. Autocrine: self-stimulate
  2. Paracrine: local cells
  3. Endocrine: remote cells

General characteristics:

  1. Inactivated by the liver or directly excreted by the kidneys
  2. Operate within mostly negative feedback systems
  3. Specific rates and rhythms of secretion
  4. Affect only target cells with appropriate receptors
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3
Q

Regulation of hormone release

A

Maintain a regulated level of certain substances/other hormones in response to an alteration in the cellular environment

Influenced by:

  1. Internal chemical environment
  2. Current growth/metabolic needs
  3. Neural factors
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4
Q

Hormone transport

A
  1. Water-soluble hormones: attach to EXTRACELLULAR cell membrane receptors (d/t their high molecular weight); circulate freely in blood
  2. Lipid-soluble hormones: easily diffuse across the cell membrane and attach to INTRACELLULAR receptors; typically require transporter/carrier protein in blood
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5
Q

Hormone receptors

A

Target cells: recognize and bind with a high affinity to hormones to initiate a signal (increased hormone receptors = increased sensitivity)

Regulations:
1. Up-regulation: increase in the number of cellular receptors in response to LOW concentration of hormones

  1. Down-regulation: decrease in the number of cellular receptors in response to HIGH concentration of hormones
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6
Q

Positive feedback loops

A

Far less common, self-perpetuating; the stimulus is promoted rather than suppressed

i.e. The release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland during labor; breast milk production

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7
Q

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland

A

Located at the base of the brain

Integrates the neuro and endocrine systems

Produce: (1) Releasing-, (2) inhibitory-; and (3) tropic-hormones

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8
Q

Hypothalamus

A

Functions:
1. Hormone monitoring (production and release) by (1) stimulating the autonomic nerves and (2) by releasing hormones from the pituitary gland

  1. Regulate body temp.
  2. Maintain daily physiological cycles
  3. Other: Control appetite, manage sexual behavior, and regulate emotional responses

Hormones: PRH, PIF, TRH GnRH, substance P, GRF (GH-releasing factor), somatostatin (GH-inhibiting factor), CRH (corticotrophin-releasing hormone)

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9
Q

Hormones of the pituitary gland

A

ANTERIOR Pituitary:

  1. Corticotropin-related hormones: ACTH and MSH
  2. Glycoproteins: TSH, FSH, and LH
  3. Somatomammotropins: Somatotropin (GH) and prolactin
  4. Minor corticotropins: Beta-lipoproteins (fat catabolism) and beta-endorphins (pain perception)

POSTERIOR Pituitary: Stores and secretes hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus; (1) ADH and (2) Oxytocin

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10
Q

Adrenal glands

A

Two pyramid-shaped organs above the kidneys

Consist of the adrenal cortex (outer portion) and adrenal medulla (inner portion)

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11
Q

Adrenal cortex hormone #1: Cortisol, cortisone, and corticosterone (Glucocorticoids)

A

Functions:

  1. Controls use of fats, proteins, and carbs.
  2. Suppresses inflammation
  3. Regulates BP
  4. Increases blood sugar
  5. Decreases bone formation
  6. Controls sleep/wake cycle (diurnal rhythms)
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12
Q

HPA axis

A

Stress response pathology:

  1. Hypothalamus releases CRH (in response to low cortisol)
  2. Anterior pituitary produces and releases ACTH into the bloodstream
  3. Adrenal gland produces and releases cortisol (cortex) and epinephrine (medulla)
  4. Increased cortisol and epinephrine
  5. Hypothalamus stops producing CRH
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13
Q

Adrenal cortex hormone #2: Aldosterone (Mineralcorticoid)

A

Pathway:

  1. Low BP/ECF/serum Na+ or High urine Na+/serum K+
  2. Angiotensinogen (liver) and renin (kidneys) form angiotensin I
  3. Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by ACE (lungs)
  4. Angiotensin II causes (1) arteriole vasoconstriction and (2) stimulates production and release of aldosterone (adrenal cortex)
  5. Aldosterone causes (1) Na+ and water retention (and K+ excretion), and (2) stimulation and release of ADH (posterior pituitary), which further increases ECF and BP
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14
Q

Adrenal cortex hormone #3: Precursor sex hormone (Androgenic steroids)

A

Secreted in response to ACTH from the anterior pituitary

Precursor sex hormone is converted to:

  1. Estrogen (in ovaries)
  2. Testosterone (in testes)
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15
Q

Adrenal medulla hormones: Epinephrine, norepinephrine (Catecholamines)

A

Stimulated upon physical and emotional stress responses (“fight or flight”)

Receptors:

  1. Alpha: found only in the arteries
  2. Beta: found in heart, lungs, arteries of skeletal muscles

Effects:

  1. Increase blood sugar, HR, contractility, and metabolic rate
  2. Bronchodilation (increases oxygen supply)
  3. Breakdown of fat in cells
  4. Pupil dilation
  5. Vasoconstriction
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16
Q

Thyroid gland

A

Stimulated by TRH (hypothalamus) and TSH (anterior pituitary) via negative feedback loop

Hormones:
1. CALCITONIN: Decreases serum Ca2+ by INHIBITING (1) osteoclast activity and (2) Ca2+ reabsorption in kidneys

  1. T3 and T4: Regulate vital bodily functions (such as metabolism, CO, HR, rate of ventilation, modulating SNS activity, brain development, and endometrial thickening)
17
Q

Parathyroid glands and parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A

PTH: Increases serum Ca2+ by PROMOTING (1) osteoclast activity and (2) Ca2+ reabsorption in kidneys; and (3) co-factors with vitamin D to further increase Ca2+ absorption in the intestines

PTH also increases phosphate excretion via urine

18
Q

Pancreas

A

Produces digestive enzymes and hormones

Types of cells and hormones:
1. ALPHA cells: Glucagon (increases BG levels)

  1. BETA cells: Insulin (mobilizes glucose into cells) and amylin (co-secreted with insulin to inhibit glucagon secretion, delay gastric emptying, and acts as a satiety agent)
  2. DELTA cells: Somatostatin (GH-inhibiting) and gastrin (stimulates production and secretion of stomach acid)
19
Q

Insulin

A

Regulated by chemical, hormonal, and neural mechanisms; and promoted by increased BG

Facilitates uptake of (1) glucose and (2) K+ into cells