Glands & Hormones

Question 1

What are some of the functions of the hypothalamus?

Answer 1

• Thermoregulation
• Hormone secretion
• Circadian rhythms
• Motivation
• Emotion

Question 2

How is hypothalamus connected to ANTERIOR & POSTERIOR pituitary glands?

Answer 2

ANTERIOR pituitary gland via blood vessels

POSTERIOR pituitary gland is connected by neurons

Question 3

Where is the thyroid gland found?

Answer 3

Situated in the neck, anterior to trachea

Question 4

Where are the parathyroid glands found and how many are there?

Answer 4

Posterior side of the thyroid gland.

4 Parathyroid glands

Question 5

What are the 2 main thyroid hormones and what is their function?

Answer 5

• T3, T4 (thyroxine)
• T4 is a precursor of T3 (which is more potent)

Functions:

• Increase metabolic rate of all cells
• Essential for normal growth
• Increasing body’s sensitivity towards adrenaline (upregulating adrenoreceptors)

Question 6

How can enlarged thyroids result in simple goitre (swelling of neck)?

Answer 6

The thyroid gland swells as a result of IODINE deficiency

Question 7

What is the function of parathyroid glands?

Answer 7

Produce parathyroid hormone which is involved in regulation of blood calcium levels

Question 8

What are islets of langerhans and what hormones do they produce?

Answer 8

Group of endocrine cells found in pancreas (occupy 1-2%) which secrete:

• Insulin (alpha cells)
• Glucagon (beta cells)
• Somatostatin (nuclei of delta cells)

Question 9

What is the function of insulin and when is it released?

Answer 9

Released when increase in blood glucose, converts glucose to glycogen, triglycerides which is stored in muscle cells and adipocytes.

Question 10

What is the function of glucagon and when is it released?

Answer 10

Released when decrease in blood glucose. Raises glucose levels by glycogenolysis and lipolysis

Question 11

What is the role of somatostatin in the pancreas?

Answer 11

Somatostatin = Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone

Inhibits the secretion of Insulin and Glucagon

Question 12

What are the features of each type of diabetes mellitus?

Answer 12

Type 1:

• Insulin dependent
• Decreased insulin secretion
• Beta cells destroyed
• Minor % population have it
• Insulin injections

Type 2:

• Insulin independent
• Normal insulin levels
• Sensitivity to insulin LOW
• Related to overweight
• Diet can reverse

Question 13

Where are your adrenal glands located and what are some of the main secretions??

Answer 13

On top of kidneys

Cortisol, Aldosterone, Epinephrine (adrenaline)