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

How do nonsteroid hormones differ from steroid hormones in their mechanism of action?

Nonsteroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol, while steroid hormones are derived from amino acids.

Nonsteroid hormones bind to receptors on the cell surface, while steroid hormones enter the cell and bind to intracellular receptors.

Nonsteroid hormones directly activate genes, while steroid hormones use second messengers.

Nonsteroid hormones are lipid-soluble and can pass through the cell membrane, while steroid hormones are water-soluble and cannot.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the chemical nature of nonsteroid and steroid hormones: Nonsteroid hormones are typically derived from amino acids, while steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol.

Understand the solubility properties: Nonsteroid hormones are generally water-soluble, meaning they cannot easily pass through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. In contrast, steroid hormones are lipid-soluble, allowing them to pass through the cell membrane.

Examine the mechanism of action for nonsteroid hormones: Since they are water-soluble, nonsteroid hormones bind to specific receptors on the surface of the target cell. This binding triggers a cascade of intracellular events often involving second messengers, such as cyclic AMP (cAMP), to relay the signal inside the cell.

Explore the mechanism of action for steroid hormones: Being lipid-soluble, steroid hormones can diffuse through the cell membrane and bind to intracellular receptors, typically located in the cytoplasm or nucleus. This hormone-receptor complex then directly interacts with the cell's DNA to regulate gene expression.

Compare the outcomes of hormone-receptor interactions: Nonsteroid hormones primarily use second messengers to exert their effects, leading to a rapid but often short-lived response. Steroid hormones, by directly influencing gene expression, tend to have longer-lasting effects on the target cell's function.