Week 6 Learning Outcomes Flashcards
What are the major organs of the endocrine system?
Major organs include:
* Pituitary gland
* Thyroid gland
* Adrenal glands
* Pancreas
* Gonads (ovaries and testes)
* Hypothalamus
* Pineal gland
How do hormones secreted into the blood act on target tissues?
Hormones bind to specific receptors on target tissues, initiating a response in those cells.
What is the difference between water-soluble and lipid-soluble hormones?
Water-soluble hormones:
* Transported in the bloodstream freely
* Receptors located on cell membranes
* Action via second messengers.
Lipid-soluble hormones:
* Require carrier proteins for transport
* Receptors located inside the cell
* Action involves altering gene expression.
What are the structural and functional relationships between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland?
The hypothalamus regulates the anterior pituitary through releasing and inhibiting hormones, while the posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
What is the structure and function of the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland has a butterfly shape, located in the neck, and it produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) which regulate metabolism.
How is the production of thyroid hormone controlled?
Thyroid hormone production is controlled by Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary and by feedback mechanisms involving T3 and T4 levels.
What is a homeostatic control mechanism?
Homeostatic control mechanisms maintain internal stability through feedback loops, such as positive and negative feedback.
Describe the feedback loop involving Oxytocin.
Oxytocin is regulated by positive feedback during childbirth, where uterine contractions stimulate more oxytocin release.
Describe the feedback loop involving Thyroid hormone.
Thyroid hormone is regulated by negative feedback, where increased levels inhibit the release of TSH from the anterior pituitary and TRH from the hypothalamus.
