Introduction to the endocrine system Flashcards
Which cell signalling is transported via the blood stream?
Endocrine
Which cell signalling is via a local mediator into target cells nearby?
Paracrine
Which cell signalling involves neurons binding at a synapse?
Neuronal
Which cell signalling releases a signal to act on itself?
Autocrine
Which glands are ductless?
Endocrine glands
What are the major endocrine glands?
Hypothalamus
Pineal gland
Pituitary
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Thymus
Adrenal
Pancreas
Ovaries
Testes
Which is the pituitary gland also known as?
Hypophysis
How is the pituitary gland connected to the hypothalamus?
Via the pituitary stalk (infundibulum)
Which gland controls almost all pituitary secretions?
Hypothalamus
How many hormones are secreted in the pituitary?
Anterior - 6
Posterior - 2
Which functions does the pituitary gland regulate?
What is acromegaly and what can cause it?
Dysfunction of the pituitary gland.
Increased growth hormone in adults = bigger bones
What is gigantism and what can cause it?
Increased growth hormones in children before bone fusion, leads to abnormal height and bone growth.
Caused by pituitary gland dysfunction.
The parathyroid glands are involved in which ion?
Calcium concentration
What hormones does the pancreas release?
Insulin (beta cells) and Glugagon
Also secretes digestive enzymes into GI tract