The Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the difference between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
(anterior & posterior).
Unlike the posterior pituitary which basically stores hormones produced by the hypothalamus, the hypothalamus regulates the anterior pituitary via secreting “releasing hormones”
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.
What is homeostasis?
Not a steady state but a dynamic equilibrium
Internal conditions remain stable and relatively constant
why is homeostasis important?
Homeostasis maintains optimal conditions for enzyme action throughout the body, as well as all cell functions
What is negative feedback?
Response in a way to reviser the direction of change
Most COMMON feedback in physiological systems
What is positive feedback?
Response in a way so as to change the variable even more in the direction of change
RARE
Examples: blood clotting, ovulation
What are the 4 classifications of hormones?
Peptide/polypeptide - largest group - insulin, glucagon - water soluble
Amino acid derivatives - synthesised from amino acids - adrenaline, thyroid hormones, melatonin - lipid soluble
Glycoproteins - FSH, TSH, LH - water soluble
Steroids - derived from cholesterol - cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone - lipid soluble
