Endocrine System (pt.4) Flashcards
What happens when stressors first stimulate the body?
Nerve impulses in sensory centers send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the autonomic nervous system
What three hormones does the hypothalamus release during stress?
- CRH (Corticotropin-releasing hormone)
- GHRH (Growth hormone-releasing hormone)
- TRH (Thyrotropin-releasing hormone)
What hormones does the anterior pituitary release in response to stress?
- ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone)
- hGH (Human growth hormone)
- TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone)
What are the main effects of the “fight-or-flight” response?
- Increased heart rate, blood flow, and breathing
- Conversion of glycogen to glucose
- Reduced digestion and urine production
What are the main effects of cortisol during stress?
- Increases the breakdown of fat (lipolysis) for energy.
- Helps regulate inflammation.
What does HGH stimulate and where does it stimulate the response/
the release if insulin-like growth factors (IGS) from the liver
what are the effects of IGFs?
- Promote protein synthesis.
- Responsible for lipolysis, providing energy.
TSH stimulates the thyroid gland:
Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) increase metabolic rate, producing energy through ATP.
Most hormone levels ___ overtime.
decrease
Q: What happens to growth hormone production as we age?
A: The anterior pituitary produces less growth hormone, contributing to muscle loss.
Q: How does the thyroid gland’s function change with age?
A: It typically decreases hormone output, slowing metabolism and increasing body fat.
Q: What effect does lower thyroid hormone have in older adults?
A: It leads to increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and common hypothyroidism.
Q: What happens to parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with age?
A: PTH levels rise, possibly due to low calcium intake, which can lead to decreased bone mass.
Q: How can calcium supplementation affect PTH levels in older adults?
A: It can help keep PTH levels similar to those in younger individuals.
Q: What changes occur in adrenal gland hormone production as we age?
A: There is less production of cortisol and aldosterone, but epinephrine and norepinephrine levels stay normal.
Q: How does aging affect insulin release from the pancreas?
A: Insulin is released more slowly, and receptor sensitivity to glucose is reduced, causing higher blood glucose levels.
Q: What happens to the thymus gland as we age?
A: It shrinks after puberty but continues to produce T cells in older adults.
Q: What occurs to the ovaries with aging?
A: They decrease in size, stop responding to gonadotropins, and produce less estrogen, leading to osteoporosis.
Q: How do FSH and LH levels change in older women?
A: They rise due to reduced estrogen feedback.
Q: What is the effect of aging on testosterone production in older men?
A: Testosterone production declines, becoming noticeable later in life, but sperm production can still occur with some abnormalities.
Q: What can the reduction of certain hormones contribute to in older adults?
A: It can contribute to conditions such as sarcopenia and osteoporosis.
Q: Which hormone declines with age and is associated with muscle loss?
A: Human growth hormone (HGH) declines with age.