Hormones And The Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
• a system of glandular tissues that produce and secrete special messenger molecules called hormones, into the blood (releases hormones into the bloodstream)
What do hormones act upon?
• hormones regulate cell processes, either by slowing them down or speeding them up and attempt to maintain homeostasis
Does the endocrine system release hormones into the bloodstream?
• yes
What are the 2 types of hormones?
• target and non-target
Non-target:
• act upon many different types of cells in the body (ex: epinephrine, insulin)
Target:
• act upon a specific tissue in the body (ex: parathyroid hormone)
Does the hypothalamus release hormones?
• yes!
Are there a lot of negative feedback loops for releasing hormones?
• yes!
What are examples of protein vs. steroid hormones?
Steroid:
• testosterone
• estrogen
• cortisol
Protein:
• epinephrine
• human growth hormone
• thyroxine
What are protein vs. steroid hormones?
Steroid (lipids):
• lipid based and can easily move through cell membranes and into the cell where they bind with specific receptor proteins and promote changes in the cell
Protein (water-soluble):
• bind to receptor proteins FIRST on the cell membrane, which goes on to start a number of reactions inside the cell
Where are some places where hormones are released?
• brain - hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal gland
• thyroid and parathyroid glands (near the voice box)
• adrenal glands (on the kidneys) • pancreas (near the liver)
• ovaries and testes
• thymus gland
What are regulating hormones?
• the release of hormones is regulated by other hormones, proteins or neuronal signals
What are similarities between the endocrine and the nervous system?
• both are regulated by feedback loops
• some nervous system tissue will secrete hormones (ex: hypothalamus)
• some chemicals are both a neurotransmitter and hormone
• NERVOUS system can bring about FAST yet short-lived responses or changes
• ENDOCRINE system can often bring about SLOWER yet longer lasting responses or changes
Does the hypothalamus release tropic signals down to release hormones?
• yes!
What is epinephrine?
• also known as ADRENALINE
• used to treat allergic reactions or sudden asthma attacks
How is the endocrine system similar to the nervous system?
• both regulatory systems
• they both involve maintaining homeostasis and have a connection through the HYPOTHALAMUS!!
