Units 1-3: Homeostasis and the Endocrine System Flashcards
Hormones
Chemical messenger sent to many parts of the body to produce a specific effect on a target cell or organ.
Endocrine System
In vertebrates, system that works in parallel with the nervous system to maintain homeostasis by releasing chemical hormones from various glands: composed of the hormone producing glands and tissues of the body.
Early Experiments Proving The Existence Of Chemical Messengers
stole rooster’s balls. Berthold. 1849.
Receptor Proteins
Bind to hormones in order to carry out chemical messages within the cell.
Lipid Soluble (Steroid) Hormones
Lipid-based; can permeate the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, change cell genes from within.
Water Soluble (Non-Steroid) Hormones
Binds to a receptor protein on the surface of the cell membrane. Phone fan-out causes an amplified impact on the hormone.
Negative Feedback Loops
When the output of a system inhibits the activity of a system.
Tropic Hormone
A hormone that targets endocrine glands and stimulates them to release other hormones.
Homeostasis
The tendency of the body to maintain a relatively constant internal environment.
Endocrine Gland
Secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Exocrine Gland
Secretes hormones directly into target areas of the body.
Hypothalamus
Sends signals to the pituitary glands to release or inhibit the release of hormones.
Anterior pituitary glands receive tropic hormones.
Posterior pituitary glands receive nerve impulses.
Anterior Pituitary
Releases FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, Prolactin, ICSH, hGH.
FSH
Aids gamete production.
LH
Causes the release of sex hormones.
ACTH
Tropic stimulating hormone.
Stimulates adrenal cortex to release cortisol and aldosterone.
TSH
Tropic stimulating hormone.
Stimulates thyroid gland to release thyroxin.
Prolactin
Stimulates milk production in mammary glands.
ICSH
Causes the release of sex hormones.
hGH
Human growth hormone. Has direct impacts as well as stimulating the liver to cause the growth of skeletal muscles and bones. Also increases protein synthesis and fat metabolism.
Insufficent amounts of hGH in childhood result in dwarfism, excess hGH results in gigantism.
Excess amounts of gigantism in adulthood results in acromegaly.
Posterior Pituitary Gland
Releases ADH and oxytocin. Hormones are produced in the hypothalamus and then transferred, stored, and released in the posterior pituitary by neuronal axons.
ADH
Causes kidney tubules to become permeable to water, thereby reducing urine output.
Secreted from the posterior pituitary gland.
Diabetes Insipidus
Oxytocin
Stimulates contraction of smooth muscles in the uterus and mammary glands.
Thyroid Gland
Releases thyroxin and calcitonin.