Hormonal Communication Flashcards
What is the pathway of hormonal communication?
Stimulus -> Receptors -> hormone -> effectors -> response
What is an endocrine gland?
It is a group of specialised cells that secrete hormones DIRECTLY into the bloodstream
Eg. Adrenal gland, pituitary gland
What is an exocrine gland?
It has a duct through which chemicals are released
Eg. Bile duct, sweat glands, pancreas
Effects of steroid hormones on the cell:
Pass through lipid component of the cell as they are hydrophobic
They then bind to steroid hormone receptors to form a hormone-receptor complex which attaches to DNA and acts as a T.F
These receptors can be found in the cytoplasm or the nucleus
Effect of non-steroid hormones on the cell:
Can’t pass through cell membrane as they’re hydrophilic
Binds to specific receptors in the surface of the target cell’s membrane
They activate an enzyme which causes the release of a second messenger (cAMP).
This triggers a cascade of enzyme-controlled chemical reactions
What is the method of transmission in the endocrine system?
Through the bloodstream
What is the speed of transmission in the endocrine system?
Slow
What is the length of effect in the endocrine system?
Long - until hormone is broken down
What are the 2 major roles of the pancreas?
Synthesise digestive enzymes
Controls blood glucose levels
What are the 3 most important digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas?
Amylases
Proteases
Lipases
What is the exocrine tissue in the pancreas?
The acini.
Each acini has a central duct into which digestive enzymes are secreted. The ducts join up the main pancreatic duct which is released into the small intestine.
What is the exocrine tissue in the pancreas?
The Islet of Langerhans.
Each Islet of Langerhans is the supported with a capillary network. Hormones are secreted directly into the blood via these capillaries.
Alpha and beta cells are found here
Which two cells are found in this tissue and what does each type of cell produce?
Alpha cells - produce glucagon
Beta cells - produce insulin
What concentration is glucose normally maintained at in the blood?
90mg per 100cm3
What is glycogenolysis?
Glycogen is split into glucose
Blood glucose conc. increases as a result
What is gluconeogenesis?
New glucose molecules are made from non-carbohydrate sources
Eg. Glycerol and amino acids
What is glycogenesis?
Glucose is converted to glycogen
Glucose conc. falls
In which water is blood glucose conc. maintained?
Respiration
Exercise
Glycogenesis