Lesson 3: Human endocrine system

Question 1

defintions

Answer 1

Non-target hormones: impact many cells of the body:

Growth Hormone - Regulates the development of long bones.
Insulin - Increases the absorption of glucose by cells.
Epinephrine - Is produced in times of stress.

Target hormones target specific tissues and cells of the body, rather than all cells:

Thyroxine - Regulates cell metabolism.
Testosterone - Stimulates the development of sperm.
Estrogen - Stimulates the thickening of the endometrium

Question 2

know how to label main parts of the endocrine system in males and females.

Answer 2

ok

Question 3

What are the 3 technologies developed fir diagnosing endocrine disorders?

Answer 3

1. Radioactive tracers:can follow the path of the hormones from the organ in which they are produced to the target cells
2. New chemical analysis equipment: to determine and measure the concentration of even the smallest amounts of a hormone.
3. High-power microscopes: provide a clearer picture of the structure of cell membranes and allow for a better understanding of how chemical messengers

Question 4

Explain the difference between a target hormone and a non-target hormone.

Answer 4

ok

Question 5

Explain the roles of the hormones, insulin and glucagon in maintaining blood sugar homeostasis.

Answer 5

• insulin is released from the beta cells in the pancreas when blood sugar levels are high causing glucose to be drawn out of the blood.
• When blood levels are low, glucagon is released by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans and promotes the conversion of glycogen to glucose which is released into the blood

Question 6

Summarize the main hormones that control metabolism

Answer 6

• T4 and T3 regulate the rate at which glucose is metabolized
• Calcitonin: lowers calcium levels in the blood.
• Growth hormone: promotes protein synthesis and cell division

Question 7

What are some of the health issues associated with steroid use?

Answer 7

• stunned growth
• mood swings and feelings of rage
• in males: baldness, breasts, shrinking testes, reduced sperm count
• in females: growth of facial hair, breast reduction, changes in reproductive cycle
• in general: acne, bad breath, high blood pressure, liver disease, cancer

Question 8

What is BPA and where is it found?

Answer 8

BPA is bispohonel A. It is a chemical found in consumer packaging such as plastic containers, toys, and the can liners used for canned goods.

Question 9

What are some potential side effects of BPA?

Answer 9

• It may mimic estrogen, and disrupt normal hormone functioning causing early puberty or breast and prostate cancer.

Question 10

What are some alternatives to BPA

Answer 10

GLASS, STAINLESS STEEL, OR PORCELAIN CONTAINERS.