S1: Physiology of the Endocrine System

Question 1

What are the two important communication systems in the body?

Answer 1

1. Nervous

• fast
• short term
• direct

2. Endocrine

• slow
• long term
• wide spread

Question 2

Definition of a Gland

Answer 2

An organ that releases something

Question 3

Definition of a Hormone

Answer 3

A chemical messenger that travels to a target cell elsewhere

It can be a protein, steroid, amino acid or fatty acid

Question 4

Definition of signalling mechanism

Answer 4

How the body travels to its target cell

Question 5

Definition of endocrine

Answer 5

Hormone released into bloodstream, travels to distant target cell

Question 6

Definition of paracrine

Answer 6

Hormone travels across interstitial fluid and acts locally on adjacent cell

Question 7

Definition of autocrine

Answer 7

Hormone acts back on same cell

Question 8

Definition of neuroendocrine

Answer 8

Neuron releases hormone into bloodstream

Question 9

3 general functions of hormones

Answer 9

• Reproduction, growth and development
• Homeostasis
• Energy production/utilisation/storage

Question 10

List glands not under hypothalamic pituitary control

Answer 10

Glands NOT under hypothalamic-pituitary control:

Pancreas: insulin & glucagon (blood sugar levels)
Parathyroid glands: PTH (calcium levels)
Adrenal cortex: aldosterone (RAS)
Adrenal medulla: adrenaline & noradrenaline (sympathetic NS)
Pineal gland: melatonin (circadian rhythm)

Question 11

4 chemical classifications of hormones

Answer 11

Protein/peptide hormones
Steroid hormones
Amino acid derivatives
Fatty acid derivatives

Question 12

What type are hormones released from hypothalamus pituitary axis?

Answer 12

Protein/peptide hormones

Question 13

What causes cushings disease?

Answer 13

Increased cortisol

Question 14

What causes addisons disease?

Answer 14

Decreased cortisol

Decrease aldosterone

Question 15

What causes acromegaly?

Answer 15

Increased growth hormone