Hormonal communication- pancreas and diabetes Flashcards
what is the endocrine system?
made up of endocrine glands which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
why is the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in close proximity?
ensures the nervous and hormonal responses of the body are closely linked and coordinated
what are exocrine glands?
secrete chemicals through ducts into organs or to the surface of the body (e.g digestive system)
what are hormones?
chemical messengers which carry information around the body
why are hormones secreted into the blood?
as a result of a change in concentration of a particular substance or as a result of another hormone or impulse
why are there different types of hormones?
it determines the way it causes its effect on a target cell
describe steroid hormones
lipid soluble and pass through the lipid component of the cell membrane and bind to steroid hormone receptors to form a hormone-receptor complex which facilitates of inhibits the transcription of a specific gene (e.g oestrogen)
Describe non-steroid hormones
hydrophilic and can’t pass through the cell membrane. They bind to receptors on the cell membrane, triggering a cascade reaction mediated by chemicals called second messengers (e.g adrenaline)
why is hormonal communication less specific and slower than neuronal communication?
because hormones are not released directly into their target cells
Why do hormones have a more long lasting and and widespread effect compared to neurones?
because they are not quickly broken down
describe the structure of the adrenal glands
located on top of each kidney and made of two parts: the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla
what is the adrenal cortex?
the outer region of the glands which produces essential hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone
what is the adrenal medulla?
inner region of the glands which produces non-essential hormones (e.g adrenaline) to react to stress
what are the three main types of hormones produced int he adrenal cortex?
-glucocorticoids
-mineralocorticoids
-androgens
what are the hormones produced in the adrenal cortex controlled by?
controlled by by hormones released from the pituitary gland in the brain
describe the hormone, glucocorticoid?
-regulates metabolism by controlling how the body converts fats, proteins and carbohydrates into energy.
-regulates blood pressure and cardiovascular function in response to stress
-works with cortisol to regulate immune response and suppress inflammatory reactions. Release of these hormones are controlled y hypothalamus.
Describe the hormone, mineralocorticoids?
main one produced is aldosterone which helps control blood pressure by maintaining the balance between salt and water concentration the blood and body fluids. Release is mediated y signals triggered y the kidney
Describe the hormone, androgens?
small amounts of male and female sex hormones are released which have small impact but still important especially for women after the menopause