Endocrine System I Flashcards
hormones
- greek for “to excite”
- chemical signaling molecules responsible for regulation
- messenger of endocrine system -> allows cells to communicate with each other
what happens when hormones are secreted into body fluids?
- usually secreted into blood
- bind to target cells
- all cells exposed, only those with correct receptor respond
receptors
- large proteins or glycoproteins on surface of target cells
- recognize and bind to specific hormones
- responsible for specificity of endocrine system
- continually synthesized and degraded
homeostatic control of hormone levels
- hormone levels too low, receptor up-regulation
- hormone levels too high, receptor down-regulation
what are the 6 types of intercellular communication?
- Endocrine Signaling
- Paracrine Signaling
3, Autocrine Signaling - Synaptic Signaling
- Neuroendocrine Signaling
- Signaling by Pheromones
Elephants Play And Sleep Nicely on Sundays
endocrine signaling
endocrine cells secrete hormones into extracellular fluid
-diffuse into bloodstream -> travel around body -> attach to receptors on target cells
short distance signaling
- cells produce and secrete LOCAL regulators
- reach target cells by diffusion (not through bloodstream)
- short distance, very quick
paracrine signaling
target cells NEAR secreting cells
autocrine signaling
target cells ARE secreting cells
synaptic signaling
- neurons form synapses (junctions) with target cells
- neurotransmitters: signaling molecules are produced by neurons that secrete neurohormones, which diffuse across synapse and bind to receptors on target cells
neuroendocrine signaling
-neurosecretory cells - specialized neurons that secrete neurohormones, which diffuse into bloodstream
signaling by pheromones
phermones are chemicals that are released into the external environments
-target other individuals of same species to: define territory, warn of predators, attract mates
what are the two classes of local regulators?
- modified fatty acids
2. gases
modified fatty acids
- contain long hydrocarbon chains
- ex: Prostaglandins - regulate many processes
gases
-ex: Nitric Oxide (NO)
-Blood O2 rises -> blood vessel lining releases NO
[diffuses to surrounding muscle]
[activates enzymes, relaxes cells]
[vasodilation]