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

4. Tissues & Histology

Glandular Epithelial Tissue

Anatomy & Physiology

4. Tissues & Histology

Glandular Epithelial Tissue

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Problem L2.4

Textbook Question

Certain types of cancerous lung tumors can secrete hormones normally made by the pancreas, adrenal gland, and hypothalamus. What prevents such secretion from happening in healthy cells?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of cellular differentiation: Healthy cells are specialized to perform specific functions based on their location and role in the body. This specialization prevents them from producing substances unrelated to their function.

Learn about gene expression regulation: In healthy cells, genes responsible for producing hormones like those made by the pancreas, adrenal gland, and hypothalamus are tightly regulated and typically inactive in lung cells. This regulation ensures that lung cells do not produce hormones meant for other organs.

Explore the role of signaling pathways: Healthy cells rely on specific signaling pathways to maintain their function. These pathways prevent the activation of genes that are not relevant to the cell's role, ensuring proper cellular behavior.

Understand the impact of mutations in cancerous cells: Cancerous cells often have mutations that disrupt normal gene regulation. These mutations can lead to the activation of genes that are normally inactive in lung cells, causing the secretion of hormones typically made by other organs.

Recognize the importance of tissue-specific transcription factors: Healthy cells have tissue-specific transcription factors that control which genes are expressed. In lung cells, these factors prevent the expression of genes responsible for hormone production in other tissues.

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Key Concepts

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

Hormonal Regulation

Hormonal regulation refers to the mechanisms by which hormones are produced, released, and controlled within the body. In healthy cells, this regulation ensures that hormones are secreted only by their respective glands in response to specific physiological signals, maintaining homeostasis and preventing inappropriate hormone release.

Cellular Differentiation

Cellular differentiation is the process by which unspecialized cells develop into specialized cells with distinct functions. Healthy cells are differentiated to perform specific roles, which includes the regulation of hormone production, ensuring that only certain cells, like those in the pancreas or adrenal glands, can secrete their respective hormones.

Tumorigenesis

Tumorigenesis is the process by which normal cells transform into cancerous cells, often leading to uncontrolled growth and abnormal functions. In certain lung tumors, this process can result in the aberrant secretion of hormones, as cancer cells may acquire the ability to mimic the functions of hormone-producing cells, disrupting normal hormonal balance.

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