Skip to main content
Back

Endocrinology and Hormone Function - Anatomy & Physiology

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/23
  • What are the four main types of cell communication in the endocrine system?

    Gap junctions, Neurotransmitters, Paracrines, and Hormones.

  • How does the nervous system differ from the endocrine system in communication?

    Nervous system uses electrical impulses and neurotransmitters for fast, local effects; endocrine system uses hormones in the bloodstream for slow, widespread effects.

  • What distinguishes endocrine glands from exocrine glands?

    Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream affecting distant targets; exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts to external or internal surfaces.

  • What are the three classifications of hormone action based on target location?

    Endocrine (distant targets), Paracrine (nearby cells), and Autocrine (self-targeting) signaling.

  • Name the four major hormone chemical classes.

    Amine hormones, Peptide hormones, Protein hormones, and Steroid hormones.

  • How do nonsteroid hormones typically exert their effects on target cells?

    By binding to receptor proteins on the plasma membrane, activating enzymes and second messengers inside the cell.

  • Describe the mechanism of steroid hormone action inside a target cell.

    Steroid hormones enter the cell, bind to cytoplasmic receptors, form a hormone-receptor complex, enter the nucleus, and activate gene transcription.

  • Where is the hypothalamus located and what is its role in the endocrine system?

    Located at the base of the brain; it regulates the pituitary gland and controls hormone secretion.

  • What are the two parts of the pituitary gland and their origins?

    Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) is glandular tissue; Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) is neural tissue and an extension of the hypothalamus.

  • List two disorders caused by hypofunction of the anterior pituitary.

    Dwarfism and Hypothyroidism.

  • What hormone is associated with inappropriate secretion in the posterior pituitary hyperfunction?

    Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) leading to Inappropriate ADH syndrome.

  • Where is the thyroid gland located and what is its shape?

    Located anterior to the trachea below the larynx; shaped like a butterfly with two lobes connected by an isthmus.

  • What are the main hormones produced by the thyroid gland?

    Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), and Calcitonin.

  • What cells in the thyroid gland produce calcitonin?

    C-cells (parafollicular cells) produce calcitonin.

  • What are the pancreatic islets and their hormone-producing cells?

    Clusters of endocrine cells: β cells produce insulin, α cells produce glucagon, and δ cells produce somatostatin.

  • What is the primary function of insulin?

    To lower blood glucose by stimulating muscle and adipose tissue to store glycogen and fat after meals.

  • How does glucagon affect blood glucose levels?

    It raises blood glucose by stimulating gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver between meals.

  • What is the role of somatostatin in the pancreas?

    It inhibits secretion of insulin and glucagon and regulates digestive functions locally.

  • What hormones do the gonads produce and what are their functions?

    Sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone regulate reproductive functions and secondary sexual characteristics.

  • Name an endocrine function of the heart.

    Secretion of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) which regulates sodium excretion, urine output, and blood pressure.

  • What hormone precursor is produced by the liver?

    Angiotensinogen, a precursor in the renin-angiotensin system regulating blood pressure.

  • What hormone is primarily produced by the kidneys?

    Erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates red blood cell production.

  • What hormones does the placenta produce during pregnancy?

    Estrogen and progesterone to regulate pregnancy.