Section 4 and 5

Question 1

What are parathyroid glands?

Answer 1

• Four small oval glands
• On the posterior side of the thyroid
• They are paired: with two superior and two inferior glands
• Along with the thyroid gland, they secrete hormones to contribute to calcium homeostasis

Question 2

What are principal cells?

Answer 2

• AKA chief cells
• Produce parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• PTH acts to increase calcium ion concentration
• Parathyroid glands are mostly made up of principal cells

Question 3

Where are the adrenal glands found?

Answer 3

• The adrenal glands are two pyramid shaped structures
• They sit superior to each kidney

Question 4

What is the adrenal gland divided into?

Answer 4

• The adrenal medulla:
  The core of the adrenal gland. It produces epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to sympathetic nervous system stimulation resulting in autonomic (fight or flight) response.
• The adrenal cortex:
  Three layers that produce different hormones all referred to as a type of corticosteroid. The outer layer produces mineralocorticoids. The middle layer produces glucocorticoids. The inner layer produces androgens (sex hormones)

Question 5

What would happen with stimulation of the adrenal medulla?

Answer 5

• This would cause release of epinephrine and norepinephrine causing an autonomic response (fight-or-flight response)

Question 6

What responses would be predicted to occur upon stimulation of the hormones in the three layers of the adrenal cortex?

Answer 6

Stimulation of the cortex would cause release of corticosteroids into the blood responsible for several functions such as glucose metabolism, sex characteristics, and electrolyte balance of body fluids.