endocrinology introduction and overview Flashcards
1
Q
define endocrine system
A
the collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate physiological functions:
- metabolism
- growth and development
- tissue function
- sexual function
- reproduction
- sleep
- mood
- and more
2
Q
what is the difference between hormone signaling in the nervous system vs. the endocrine system?
A
- neuron signals in the nervous system are preceisely targeted - very fast
- hormone signals produced by the endocrine system are broadly distributed throughout the body by traveling through the bloodstream until it reaches its target - much slower
3
Q
how do cells elicit responses from hormones?
A
they require a specific receptor protein for the specific hormone
4
Q
what is a target cell?
A
only cells of certain tissues and organs respond to a hormone
5
Q
what happens if cells do not have the right receptor or no receptor?
A
nothing; responses are only elicited from cells with the correct receptor
6
Q
define half-life
A
the time it takes for the concentration (hormone, drug, etc.) to decrease by 50%
7
Q
A
