Topic 5- Hormonal coordination in humans Flashcards
Give the name of the body’s coordination system which involves hormones
The endocrine system
What is a hormone?
A hormone is a chemical messenger secreted by a gland. It travels in the blood to a target organ, where it causes a response
What type of organ secretes hormones?
Glands
Which gland controls many other glans in the body, known as the “master gland”
The pituitary gland
Why is the pituitary gland considered a master gland?
It secretes a wide range of hormones, some of which may stimulate other endocrine glands
What os the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system
Secretes human growth hormone
Stimulates the thyroid gland
Stimulates ovulation and the production of oestrogen in the ovaries
Stimulates the production of sperm and testosterone in the testes
What is the role of the thyroid gland in the endocrine system?
Secretes the hormone thyroxine- controls metabolism, heart rate and body temperature
What is the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system?
Secretes the hormone insulin- controls blood glucose levels
What is the role of the adrenal gland in the endocrine system?
Secretes adrenaline- controls the body’s “flight or flight” response
What is the role of the ovaries in the endocrine system?
Secrete oestrogen which coordinates the menstrual cycle and the development of female sexual characteristics
What is the role of the testes in the endocrine system
Secrete testosterone, which coordinates the production of sperm and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics
Which organ monitors and controls blood glucose concentration
The pancreas
How does the pancreas respond when blood glucose levels are too high
The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin.
insulin binds to the receptors on the liver and muscles, causing excess glucose to be converted into glycogen and stored
Why does the pancreas respond when blood glucose levels are too low
The pancreas secretes the hormone glucagon. Glucagon binds to the liver cells, causing glycogen to be converted into glucose and released into the blood
How is blood glucose glucose concentration controlled using a negative feedback loop
-When the blood glucose concentration rises or falls below the optimum, a hormone is secreted by the pancreas
-The action of either hormone (insulin or glucagon) helps bring back the concentration to the correct level
What is type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the pancreas doesn’t produce sufficient insulin to control the blood glucose concentration
As a result, blood glucose levels are often very high, leading to excessive urination, tiredness and weight loss
How can Type 1 diabetes be treated?
Insulin injections before meals- allows glucose to be converted into glycogen
Limiting carbohydrate intake
-Attempts using pancreas and pancreatic cell transplants; investigations into genetic engineering of pancreatic cells
What is Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which the body’s cells stop responding to insulin, leading to an uncontrolled blood glucose concentration. Its onset is linked with increasing age and obesity
How can Type 2 diabetes be treated
-Following a carefully controlled diet
-Doing regular excercise
-Loosing weight
-Use of drugs which increase insulin production and effectiveness
In what ways is water lost from the body
-During exhalation via lungs
-Sweating
-Urine (some reabsorbed in the kidney)
In what ways are ions lost from the body
-Sweating
-Urine (some reabsorbed in the kidney)
How are excess amino acids excreted from the body?
-Excess amino acids are deaminated in the liver to form ammonia
-Ammonia is toxic, therefore it is converted into urea
-Urea is excreted from the body via sweat and urine
How do the kidneys maintain the balance of water and other substances in the body
-Filter blood in order to remove waste products (like Urea)
-Selectively reabsorb useful molecules (like glucose, water, ions)
What is the full name of the hormone ADH
Anti-diuretic hormone