Year 1 Endocrinology

Endocrine systems: identify the features which distinguish endocrine from paracrine and autocrine systems; define the terms hormone, endocrine gland, neurotransmitter and neurosecretion Hormone classification: recognise that hormones may be classified e.g. protein vs steroid hormone Hormone synthesis: recall the principle stages of protein and steroid hormone synthesis, storage, and mechanism of secretion Hormone signaling: recall the different types of membrane receptor and intracellular mec

Adenohypophysis: explain the principle features of the anterior pituitary, list the adenohypophysial hormones and explain their homeostatic control, explain the synthesis, storage, release and physiological actions of these hormones and how dysregulation may present Neurohypophysis: explain the principle features of the posterior pituitary; list the neurohypophysial hormones, recall how their chemical structures differ and explain their homeostatic control; explain the synthesis, storage, relea

Glucose homeostasis: recall the factors regulating blood glucose; explain glucose cellular transport Pancreas anatomy: recognise the cellular structure and function of an islet of Langerhans Insulin: explain insulin synthesis, storage and secretion; list the physiological actions of insulin, explain the mechanism of action of insulin and homeostatic mechanisms of control Glucagon: explain glucagon synthesis, storage and secretion; list the physiological actions of glucagon, explain the mechan

Calcium: list the physiological functions of calcium; list the principle causes of hypocalcaemia and hypercalcaemia. Endocrine control of calcium; recall the principle hormones which regulate serum calcium concentration, their physiological effects, their mechanism of action and their regulation. Phosphate: recall the regulation of phosphate reabsorption Hyperparathyroidism: recall the differences between primary, secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism

The gonads: explain the stages of gametogenesis in male and female gonads; recall the principle structures of the testes and ovaries and their function Sex hormones: explain the process and regulation of steroidogenesis in male and female gonads, recall the physiological actions of male and female gonadal steroids; recall the hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis and its regulation in males and females Menstrual cycle: recall the phases of the menstrual cycle and the physiological changes that oc

Thyroid anatomy: recall the anatomy and cellular structure of the thyroid gland Thyroid hormones: explain thyroid hormone synthesis; explain physiological actions and mechanism of action of thyroid hormones Hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis: recall the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis and its regulation Hypothyroidism: explain the effects of thyroid hormone deficiency Hyperthyroidism: explain the effects of thyroid hormone excess