introduction to endocrinology

Question 1

what is an endocrine gland

Answer 1

A group of cells that secretes ‘messenger’ molecules directly into the bloodstream

Question 2

what is endocrinology

Answer 2

study of endocrine glands and their secretions

Question 3

what is a hormone

Answer 3

the bioactive messenger molecule secreted by an endocrine gland into the blood that affects a change (not a metabolite/energy substrate)

Question 4

describe Bayliss and Starling’s role in endocrinology

Answer 4

first to identify a hormone
Pavlov - thought pancreas only under neuronal control
Secretin first described hormone - acid chime in the duodenum stimulates release of this from S cells
secretin stimulates release of insulin

Question 5

describe Banting and Best’s contribution to endocrinology

Answer 5

extracted and purified insulin

treat 14yr old with T1DM

Question 6

what does endocrine mean

Answer 6

relates to hormone’s actions on a target cell at a distance from source

Question 7

what does paracrine mean

Answer 7

hormone action on nearby target cells

Question 8

what does autocrine mean

Answer 8

hormone have an effect on its own immediate source

Question 9

compare the endocrine system to the nervous system

Answer 9

E - chemical into bloodstream N - across synapse
E - many target cells N - restricted to those target cells innervated
E - effect take place over long time (seconds - days) N -effect in milliseconds

Question 10

what are the classic endocrine glands

Answer 10

pituitary [master gland] 
thyroid 
adrenal
gonads 
pancreas
parathyroid [4 glands around thyroid] 
GI tract