Week 2 - Glands

Question 1

What hormone does the thyroid gland store and secrete?

Answer 1

1. Thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine, T4) and triiodothyronine (T3); calcitonin
2. Calcitonin

Question 2

What are the functions of thyroxine (T3 and T4)?

Answer 2

• T4 and T3: raise cell and tissue basal metabolism and heat production
• Influence body growth and development

Question 3

What are the functions of calcitonin?

Answer 3

-Lowers blood calcium
-Promotes calcium deposition in bones
(the opposite to the action of parathyroid hormone)

Question 4

What is the function of cells lining the sweat gland duct?

Answer 4

1. Stratified cuboidal

2. The cells function to reabsorb some sodium and water resulting in the release of hypotonic sweat at the skin surface

Question 5

What is the function of the myoepithelial cells around the secretory component of the sweat gland?

Answer 5

These cells contract to aid the secretion of sweat from the gland.

Question 6

Functions of keratinised stratified squamous epithelium (skin: epidermis)

Answer 6

1. Forming a water-resistant boundary
2. Protection against abrasion
3. Protection against chem

Question 7

Function of epiglottis

Answer 7

Covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing thus preventing food from entering the respiratory tract.

Question 8

Anatomical location of thyroid gland

Answer 8

• Situated in the anterior base of the neck

- Consists of two large lateral lobes on either side of the larynx and upper trachea