Mammalian Physiology Final Flashcards
Does thyroid gland control involve a hypothalamic-pituitary-gland axis?
Yes, it is part of the neuroendocrine system and involves negative feedback.
What hormones are at each part of the HPT-axis?
Hypothalamus = TRH causing the release of TSH from Pituitary gland followed by the production of T3 + T4 in the Thyroid
What are the important functions of T3 and T4?
They are involved in nearly all homeostatic activity of the body (heart rate, body temperature, growth, metabolism, etc)
What causes the release of T3 and T4 into the rest of the body?
TSH
Thyroglobin
A protein produced by the follicular cells that make up half of the protein content in the thyroid gland, it remains in the gland and is used to produce T3 and T4, it is also important for the storage of iodine which covalently bonds to tyrosine
Colloid
Contains thyroglobin and is responsible for creating the enzymes that release the thyroid hormones
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating-Hormone)
The pituitary hormone that stimulates the production of T4 and converts it to T3 to activate metabolism (80% of which happens in the liver) it is part of a negative feedback loop so when T3 and T4 are low it increases production and vice versa
TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing-Hormone)
A hormone produced by the Hypothalamus that regulates the formation of TSH, it is short-lived, it can also stimulate the release of prolactin
Prolactin
A hormone produced in the pituitary gland, it is made in the pituitary gland
Why is iodine important to T3 and T4?
The thyroid converts iodine, they are the only cells in the body that can absorb iodine, iodine + tyrosine = T3 and T4
Hyperthyroidism
Too much T3 and T4 are produced and can cause huge problems with every organ and bit of development/homeostatic activity due to rapid unneeded metabolism
Thyroid-binding globulin
Globulin (protein) that makes thyroid hormones, transporter protein responsible for carrying T3 and T4
Goiter
Inflammation of the thyroid caused by a lack of dietary iodine (hypothyroidism)
Myxedema
An extreme form of hypothyroidism that results in super puffy swollen skin
Cretinism
A rare form of hypothyroidism that affects an infant and child resulting from a lack of maternal iodine
Exophthalmos
Bulging of the eyes that results in one rolling out of orbit (Marty Feldman)
C-Cells
Neuroendocrine cells that secrete calcitonin
Calcitonin
A hormone that regulates the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood which opposes the action of the parathyroid gland
Parathyroid gland (4)
Control calcium levels and it makes PTH which helps to release calcium from your bones when you need it and helps with vitamin D levels
Hypothalamus trophic hormones
regulate the anterior pituitary gland