Past Exam Questions Flashcards
What is meant by the term endocrine?
A ductless gland that produces hormones, which are released directly into the bloodstream
Name a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland
Growth hormone
What is the function of growth hormone?
Causes body cells to absorb amino acids and form protein thus causing growth and the elongation of bones
Name an organ in the human both which has both an exocrine and endocrine function?
Pancreas
What substance is secreted by the pancreas in relation to its endocrine role
Insulin
What endocrine tissue of the pancreas produces insulin?
Islets of Langerhans
What is the site of activation for insulin?
Body cells
What is the role of insulin?
Absorption of glucose from blood
Regulates blood sugar levels
Describe how a feedback mechanism works in the human endocrine system
Production or inhibition of one hormone stimulates or inhibits the production of itself or another hormone
i.e. The correct level of one item has a negative effect on a pervious step in the cycle
Give two examples of the use of hormone supplements
Supplementing insulin in diabetics
The use of anabolic steroids to increase the amount of muscle in beef cattle
What term is used for glands that secrete hormones?
Endocrine
How do endocrine glands differ from those that do not secrete hormones?
Endocrine glands are ductless
Why can the pancreas by described as a dual-function gland?
It has an endocrine and exocrine function
What is the chemical nature of many hormones?
Protein
State the precise location of the gland which secretes thyroxine.
Thyroid gland in the throat
State the function of thyroxine
Controls the rate of all the body’s reactions, i.e. it controls metabolism
Give a thyroxine deficiency symptom
Myxoedema: reduced metabolic rate which is seen as tiredness, lack of energy, slow mental and physical activity and weight gain caused by the build up of fluid under the skin
Goitre: swelling of the thyroid gland
Give a symptom of excess secretion of thyroxine
Graves’ disease: Increased metabolic rate which causes bulging eyes, hunger, loss of weight, heat production, nervousness, irritability and anxiety
Give a corrective measure for thyroxine deficiency
‘Heel test’ is carried out on new born babies which tests for low thyroxine levels, thyroxine is then administered if necessary
Thyroxine tablets or iodine can be taken by adults to prevent myxoedema
Give a corrective measure for thyroxine excess
Surgically removing part of the thyroid or by killing part of the gland using radioactive iodine
What is a hormone?
A chemical messenger produced by an endocrine gland and carried by the bloodstream to another part of the body, where is has a specific effect
