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Vet > Endocrinology and Reproduction > Flashcards

Endocrinology and Reproduction Flashcards

1
Q

What is an endocrine system?

A

Collection of glands which secrete hormones directly into the circulation to be carried to a distant target

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2
Q

Describe hormonal signalling

A

Source cell releases the hormone
Hormonal messenger travels and binds to the
Target cell (with specific receptors)

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3
Q

What are the three types of hormonal signalling?

A

Autocrine
Paracrine
Endocrine

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4
Q

Describe autocrine signalling

A

The source cell releases hormones locally which it itself has receptors for (target cell)

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5
Q

Describe paracrine signalling

A

The source cell releases hormones locally which other cells have receptors for (target cells)

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6
Q

Describe endocrine signalling

A

The source cell releases hormones into the bloodstream (circulation) to reach distant target cells

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7
Q

Describe the differences between water soluble and lipid soluble hormone

A

Water soluble:
Hydrophilic
Binds to receptors on the cell membrane
Creates a change in gene transcription or cytoplasmic function

Lipid soluble:
Lipophilic
Travels through the cell membrane
Binds to receptors in the cytoplasm or nucleus of the target cell
Creates a change in gene transcription

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8
Q

Name a water soluble hormone

A

Insulin
Glucagon

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9
Q

Name a lipid soluble hormone

A

Steroid hormones
Thyroid hormones

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10
Q

Where is the pituitary gland in relation the hypothalamus?

A

Directly below

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11
Q

Name the sections of the pituitary gland

A

Anterior pituitary (Master gland)
Posterior pituitary (Extension of neural tissue)

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12
Q

What hormones does the anterior pituitary gland produce and release

A

FSH
LH
ACTH
TSH
Prolactin
GH

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13
Q

What hormones does the posterior pituitary gland release

A

ADH
Oxytocin

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14
Q

What circulatory system connects the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary gland?

A

Hypothalamohypophyseal portal system (two capillary beds in series)

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15
Q

What is a portal system?

A

A way of transporting substances directly from one tissue to another without having to go through the whole circulatory system first

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16
Q

What is the difference between tropic and trophic hormones?

A

Tropic: Regulate the activity of endocrine glands

Trophic: Act on non-endocrine organs, causing cell differentiation, growth and survival

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17
Q

What is the function of the posterior pituitary gland?

A

Stores ADH and oxytocin in secretory granules until required

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18
Q

Describe ultrashort feedback loops

A

Hypothalamus produces a hormone which reduces/stops further release

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19
Q

Describe short feedback loops

A

Pituitary produces a hormone which reduces/stops production of hypothalamic releasing hormone

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20
Q

Describe direct long feedback loops

A

Target organ produces a hormone which reduces/stops pituitary hormone secretion

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21
Q

Describe indirect long feedback loops

A

Target organ produces a hormone which reduces/stops production of hypothalamic releasing hormone

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22
Q

What is the thyroid gland mostly made up of?

A

Thyroid follicles

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23
Q

What is the function of the follicular cells?

A

Trap and oxidise iodide into iodine
Transport iodine into the colloid

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24
Q

What is thyroglobulin?

A

An inactive gel which stores the two thyroid hormones

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25
How are thyroid hormones synthesised?
Iodine is condensed onto tyrosine by thyroid peroxidase to produce either 1 or 2 iodine molecules. Coupling of combinations form T3 or T4
26
How are thyroid hormones transported?
Thyroid gland epithelial cells take up droplets of colloid. These droplets bind to lysosomes, which separate the T3/T4 from the thyroglobulin. T3/T4 diffuse into the blood because they are lipid soluble
27
Which thyroid hormone is most abundant?
T4
28
Which thyroid hormone is more biologically active?
T3
29
What are the functions of thyroid hormones?
Controls normal growth and development, and gonadal function Promotes axonal conductivity Increases metabolic rate in tissues
30
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
(Usually in cats >7yrs) Increased appetite and weight loss Hyperthermia Increased heart rate Increased excitability and aggression
31
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
(Mainly in large dog breed between 4-10yrs) Weight gain despite normal appetite Hypothermia Lethargy Infertility and lack of libido Skin and coat changes
32
Describe ovulation
A surge in LH causes the tertiary follicle to rupture, releasing a secondary oocyte into the pelvic cavity
33
What is the corpus luteum?
The tertiary follicle after it ruptures
34
What does the corpus luteum secrete?
Progesterone
35
What does the maturing Graafian follicle secrete?
Oestrogen
36
What happens to the corpus luteum if the secondary oocyte is not fertilised?
After 14 days, it starts to degenerate, stop secreting progesterone and become scar tissue
37
What are the three types of oestrus cycle?
Polyoestrus Seasonally polyoestrus Monoestrus
38
What is the difference between the oestrus cycle and menstrual cycle?
Oestrus cycle: Endometrial lining reabsorbed Females usually only receptive when in oestrus Day 0: Female is receptive (oestrus) Menstrual cycle: Endometrial lining shed Females usually receptive at any time throughout their cycle Day 0: Start of bleeding
39
How does the hypothalamus affect the ovaries?
The hypothalamus releases the GnRH. GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH. The FSH and LH act on the developing follicles, which releases oestrogen. Only the LH acts corpus luteum, which releases progesterone.
40
What hormone triggers ovulation?
A surge of LH
41
What causes a surge in LH
High levels of oestrogen create a positive feedback loop, stimulating the release of GnRH and LH
42
What does LH do?
Stimulates follicle maturation, luteinisation and ovulation Maintains the function of the corpus luteum
43
What does FSH do?
Stimulates the growth and recruitment of immature follicles
44
Name and describe the phases of the oestrus cycle
Proestrus: Follicular phase (oestrogen dominant) Oestrus: Oestrogen dominant phase, female sexually receptive Metoestrus/dioestrus: Corpus luteum phase (progesterone dominant) Anoestrus: Reproductive inactivity
45
Describe the female reproductive tract anatomy
Starting externally: Vulva: External genitalia Vestibule: Short entryway dorso-cranially to the vagina Vagina: Muscular, elastic channel, lined with mucous membrane Cervix: Tissue which separated the vagina and the uterus, which remains tightly closed unless in oestrus Uterus Ovaries
46
What is a baculum?
The bone inside some animal penises (called the os penis in the dog)
47
Describe the pathway of spermatozoa, from production to ejaculation
Sertoli cells (in lobules): Release sperm Tubules (in lobules): Direct the sperm to the rete testis Rete testis: The sperm collects here before moving the the epididymis Epididymis: Stores and fully matures the spermatozoa Ductus deferens: Moves the spermatozoa from the epididymis to the urethra Urethra
48
What are the four accessory sex glands?
Prostate Ampulla Vesicular gland Bulbourethral gland
49
Which is the only accessory sex gland that dogs have?
Prostate
50
What is the function of the accessory sex glands?
Nourish spermatozoa Activate spermatozoa Clear the urethral tract before ejaculation Assist passage of spermatozoa to the female reproductive tract
51
What are the two components of the testes parenchyma?
Seminiferous tubules Interstitial tissue
52
What is the function of the seminiferous tubules?
They contain Sertoli cells, which secrete inhibin and convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone and oestrogen
53
What is the function of the interstitial tissue?
They contain Leydig cells, which secrete testosterone
54
Why are testes outside the body?
Spermatogenesis requires a temperature lower than body temperature
55
How is a lower temperature achieved in the testes?
External testes Specialised coverings Cremaster muscle (skeletal muscle) Tunica Dartos (smooth muscle) Pampiniform plexus Numerous sebaceous and sweat glands
56
What are the names of the layers covering the testes?
Skin Dartos External spermatic fascia Cremasteric fascia Internal spermatic fascia Tunica vaginalis Tunica albuginea
57
What hormone do Sertoli cells respond to?
FSH
58
What hormone do Leydig cells respond to?
LH
59
Describe the steps of spermatogenesis?
Spermatogonia (2n) form primary spermatocytes (2n). These primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis 1 to become secondary spermatocytes (n). After meiosis 2, spermatids (n) are made. Once they are released into the seminiferous tubules and maturation, the spermatids become spermatozoa (n).
60
What are the functions of Sertoli cells?
Release sperm into the seminiferous tubules Clear debris Provide a blood/tests barrier Trypsin inhibitor peptide Regulates hormones influencing spermatogenesis Production of some testicular fluid
61
What are the functions of testosterone?
Develops reproductive tissue and secondary sex characteristics Anabolic effects Regulates normal sperm development
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