Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

Anatomy & Physiology

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

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Problem 1d

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Steroid hormones are hydrophilic molecules that bind to plasma membrane proteins as part of a second-messenger system.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the nature of steroid hormones. Steroid hormones are lipophilic (fat-soluble) molecules, not hydrophilic. This means they can easily pass through the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane without requiring membrane proteins for transport.

Step 2: Recognize how steroid hormones interact with cells. Since steroid hormones are lipophilic, they typically bind to intracellular receptors located in the cytoplasm or nucleus, rather than plasma membrane proteins.

Step 3: Learn about second-messenger systems. Second-messenger systems are typically used by hydrophilic hormones (e.g., peptide hormones) that cannot cross the plasma membrane. These systems involve the binding of the hormone to a membrane receptor, which then activates intracellular signaling pathways.

Step 4: Correct the false statement. The corrected statement should read: 'Steroid hormones are lipophilic molecules that bind to intracellular receptors to directly influence gene expression.'

Step 5: Review the distinction between hydrophilic and lipophilic hormones to reinforce understanding. Hydrophilic hormones use second-messenger systems, while lipophilic hormones like steroids directly interact with intracellular receptors.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Steroid Hormones

Steroid hormones are lipophilic (fat-soluble) molecules derived from cholesterol. Unlike hydrophilic hormones, they can easily pass through cell membranes and typically bind to intracellular receptors, leading to direct effects on gene expression. This characteristic distinguishes them from peptide hormones, which rely on membrane-bound receptors.

Hydrophilic vs. Lipophilic

Hydrophilic molecules are water-soluble and cannot easily cross cell membranes, often requiring receptor-mediated signaling. In contrast, lipophilic molecules, like steroid hormones, can diffuse through lipid membranes and interact with receptors inside the cell. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping how different hormones exert their effects.

Second-Messenger System

The second-messenger system is a signaling mechanism used primarily by hydrophilic hormones. When these hormones bind to receptors on the cell surface, they activate intracellular signaling pathways through secondary molecules, such as cyclic AMP (cAMP). This system amplifies the signal and leads to various cellular responses, contrasting with the direct action of steroid hormones.

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In Type 2 diabetes, insulin levels are frequently normal, yet the target cells are less sensitive to the effects of insulin. This suggests that the target cells:

(a) Are impermeable to insulin

(b) May lack enough insulin receptors

(d) Have adequate internal supplies of glucose

(e) Both b and c

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The cells of the nervous system communicate via action potentials, whereas the cells of the endocrine system communicate via hormones.

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Textbook Question