Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

43. Endocrine System

Endocrine System

General Biology

43. Endocrine System

Endocrine System

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1:37 minutes

Problem 7

Textbook Question

If a person has a pituitary tumor that is oversecreting TSH, would this person be likely to have goiter as a symptom? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of TSH: TSH, or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in regulating the thyroid gland's production of thyroid hormones (thyroxine T4 and triiodothyronine T3).

Recognize the feedback loop: Normally, the levels of T4 and T3 in the blood regulate the production of TSH through a negative feedback mechanism. High levels of thyroid hormones inhibit the production of TSH, maintaining hormone balance.

Identify the effect of a pituitary tumor: A pituitary tumor that oversecretes TSH disrupts this feedback mechanism. The tumor continuously produces high levels of TSH regardless of the thyroid hormone levels in the blood.

Link TSH levels to thyroid gland activity: The excessive TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. This constant stimulation can cause the thyroid gland to enlarge, a condition known as goiter.

Conclude the likelihood of goiter: Given the continuous overstimulation of the thyroid gland by high levels of TSH due to the tumor, it is highly likely that the person would develop goiter as a symptom.

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Key Concepts

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

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). An oversecretion of TSH can lead to excessive stimulation of the thyroid, causing it to enlarge, which may result in a goiter. Understanding the role of TSH is crucial for linking pituitary function to thyroid health.

Goiter

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can occur due to various factors, including hormonal imbalances, iodine deficiency, or autoimmune diseases. In the context of TSH oversecretion, the thyroid gland responds to the excess TSH by growing larger, leading to the development of a goiter. Recognizing the relationship between TSH levels and thyroid size is essential for understanding this symptom.

Feedback Mechanism in Endocrine System

The endocrine system operates on feedback mechanisms, primarily negative feedback, to regulate hormone levels. In a healthy system, high levels of thyroid hormones would inhibit TSH production. However, a pituitary tumor can disrupt this balance, leading to continued TSH production despite high thyroid hormone levels, which can exacerbate conditions like goiter. Understanding this feedback loop is vital for grasping the implications of hormonal imbalances.

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d. Competitive inhibition of a hormone receptor.

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