Physiology Flashcards
What are GPCRs?
GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that, when bound by a ligand (e.g. hormone), become activated and undergo confirmational change.
GPCRs are coupled to G-proteins within the cell.
Activation of receptors bring about a cascade within.
What is autocrine regulation?
When hormones are released and bind to receptors within the same cell that released them, bringing about response.
What is endocrine regulation?
The process by which hormones are released into the circulatory system, reaching tissues and producing the desired response.
What is the main control centre of the endocrine system?
Hypothalamus
What are the classes of hormone?
Steroid (e.g. oestrogen)
Amine-derived (e.g. adrenaline)
Protein (e.g. insulin)
What hormones are secreted from the posterior pituitary?
ADH
Oxytocin
What 3 cell types are seen in the anterior pituitary?
Acidophils/Eosinophils
Basophils
Chromophobes
What hormones are released from the anterior pituitary?
Prolactin
Growth hormone (GH)
ACTH
TSH
FSH/LH
What are the 2 main regions of the adrenal gland?
Cortex
Medulla
What are the 3 zones of the adrenal cortex?
Zona glomerulosa (outermost)
Zona fasciculata
Zona reticularis (innermost)
What is the role of the zona glomerulosa?
Secretes mineralocorticoid and aldosterone.
What is the role of the zona fasciculata?
Secretes glucocorticoids and cortisol.
What is secreted from the zona reticularis?
Sex hormones and glucocorticoids.
What is secreted from the adrenal medulla?
Catecholamines
What hormones are secreted by the hypothalamus?
CRH
TRH
GnRH
GHRH
Dopamine
All except dopamine act to stimulate the pituitary - dopamine inhibits the release of prolactin.
