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

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Anatomy & Physiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which type of hormone can easily cross a cell membrane?

Glycoprotein hormones

Peptide hormones

Amino acid-derived hormones

Steroid hormones

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of cell membranes: Cell membranes are primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which is hydrophobic in nature. This means that molecules that are nonpolar and lipid-soluble can easily pass through.

Identify the characteristics of steroid hormones: Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol, making them lipid-soluble and nonpolar. This allows them to easily diffuse across the hydrophobic core of the cell membrane.

Compare steroid hormones with other types of hormones: Glycoprotein, peptide, and amino acid-derived hormones are generally polar and water-soluble, which makes it difficult for them to pass through the lipid bilayer without assistance from transport proteins or receptors.

Recognize the mechanism of action for steroid hormones: Once inside the cell, steroid hormones typically bind to intracellular receptors, forming a hormone-receptor complex that can directly influence gene expression in the nucleus.

Conclude why steroid hormones can easily cross cell membranes: Due to their lipid-soluble nature, steroid hormones do not require membrane-bound receptors to enter cells, unlike other hormone types that are water-soluble and require specific transport mechanisms.