Tri B - Endocrine System

Question 1

Describe Exocrine glands

Answer 1

Secrete into ducts
e.g. sweat glands, gastric glands

Question 2

Describe Endocrine glands

Answer 2

No Ducts, secrete hormones into bloodstream
Acts at a distance

Question 3

Describe some endocrine functions

Answer 3

Reproduction,
Metabolic rate
Immune response
Blood pressure
Digestive processes
Stress response

Question 4

Compare Nervous and endocrine systems

Answer 4

NS releases neurotransmitters
ES releases hormones
NS is fast responding
ES is slower
NS is short acting
ES is longer lasting

Question 5

Describe mechanisms of hormone action

Answer 5

Hormones bind to specific receptors on target cells
Number of receptors can increase or decrease (up or down regulation)

Question 6

Describe the chemistry of hormones

Answer 6

2 groups
1. Water soluble - mostly proteins
2. Lipid soluble - steroids

Question 7

Describe pituitary function and structure

Answer 7

Produces hormones that control other glands
Posterior - nervous tissue
2 hormones; oxytocin and ADH
Anterior - glandular tissue
6 main hormones

Question 8

Describe hypothalamus function

Answer 8

Controls pituitary

Question 9

Describe the posterior pituitary

Answer 9

Stores and releases oxytocin and ADH

Question 10

Describe Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)

Answer 10

Stimulated by dehydration
Increased water reabsorption by kidneys
Constricts arterioles if severe blood loss
Alcohol inhibits ADH

Question 11

Describe the anterior pituitary

Answer 11

6 major hormones
Carried from hypothalamus via blood vessels to target cells
Under hormonal control by hypothalamus

Question 12

Describe regulation of hormone secretion

Answer 12

1. Signals from nervous system
2. Chemical changes in blood
3. Other hormones

Question 13

Describe the control of blood glucose

Answer 13

Controlled by opposing actions of insulin and glucagon
Increases insulin decrease blood glucose
Increase glucagon increase blood glucose

Question 14

Describe the adrenal glands

Answer 14

2 glands
Outer cortex - mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids
Inner medulla - adrenaline and noradrenaline

Question 15

Describe the different endocrine disorders

Answer 15

Too much hormone
Too little hormone
Reduced sensitivity of target cells

Question 16

Describe thyroid disorders

Answer 16

Hypothyroidism - decreased BMR
- weight gain, cold/tired, slow HR
Hyperthyroidism - Increased BMR
- weight loss, feel warm, fast HR

Question 17

Describe congenital hypothyroidism

Answer 17

Caused by lack of thyroid gland development
Results in physical and developmental delay if untreated
Treated with thyroxine

Question 18

Describe Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD)

Answer 18

Thyroid hormone production needs iodine
Lack of iodine –> hypothyroidism
Effects child cognitive development
Endemic IDD - foetus depends on mothers thyroid hormones - effects baby’s development

Question 19

Describe the causes and symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Answer 19

Graves’ disease - auto-immune
Exophthalmos - bulging eyes
Antibodies bind to TSH receptor sites on thyroid cells and mimic TSH

Question 20

Describe some growth hormone disorders

Answer 20

Pituitary Dwarfism - Under secretion of GH
Giantism - Over secretion of GH
Acromegaly - Over secretion of GH in adults

Question 21

Describe Acromegaly

Answer 21

Cant grow taller - epiphyseal plates sealed
Bone of hands, feet, cheeks and jaws thicken
May result from anterior pituitary tumor