endocrinology Flashcards
What is the primary function of the endocrine system?
Allows communication between organs; secretion and transport of hormones
Maintains the internal environment and homeostasis, e.g., blood glucose regulation.
How does communication in the endocrine system compare to the nervous system?
Communication is slower and lasts longer than the nervous system.
What do endocrine glands secrete to initiate actions within cells?
Hormones.
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers responsible for initiating change within target cells.
What structure receives information from the body and controls the pituitary gland?
Hypothalamus.
What are tropic factors?
Hormones released from the pituitary gland that regulate the activity of other glands.
How are hormones classified?
Into two categories: peptide and steroid.
What is an example of a peptide hormone?
Insulin.
What type of hormones are lipid soluble and can move through a cell membrane?
Steroid hormones.
What determines the action of a hormone?
The concentration of the hormone and the abundance of target cell receptors.
What are the three ways endocrine glands are stimulated?
- Hormonal stimulation
- Humoral stimulation
- Neural stimulation
What role does Human Growth Hormone (HGH) play?
Influences growth and development of tissues, especially during adolescence.
What stimulates the activity of Erythropoietin (EPO)?
Hypoxia.
What hormones are involved in the HP-Adrenal Axis?
- Cortisol
- Catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
What effect do catecholamines have on the body?
Increase heart rate and improve muscle contractility.
What initiates the release of cortisol from the adrenal gland?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
What are the functions of cortisol?
- Anti-inflammatory processes
- Mobilisation of fuel sources
- Interference with bone formation
- Suppression of immune function
How does cortisol help the body?
Copes with stress, both physiological and psychological.
What influences the cortisol response during exercise?
The volume of exercise (intensity and duration).
What is the critical threshold for exercise intensity to maintain homeostasis?
50-60% VO2max.
What happens to the hormonal response after chronic exercise training?
The response to sub-maximal exercise is reduced due to increased sensitivity of target tissues.
What is Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA)?
A condition affecting the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone due to chronic exercise.
What can excessive endocrine responses from chronic exercise lead to?
Maladaptation and impaired performance in athletes.
True or False: Female athletes are at a greater risk of developing endocrine disorders due to chronic exercise.
True.
