Endocrine system

• What will students be able to understand at the end of the session on the endocrine system?

  The main functions of the endocrine system
• What is the difference between exocrine and endocrine glands?

  Exocrine glands secrete substances onto epithelial surfaces via ducts, while endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
• What are the key functions of the endocrine system?

  To control mood, growth and development, organ function, metabolism, and reproduction.
• How do hormones travel in the endocrine system?

  Hormones are released into the bloodstream and travel to cells in other parts of the body.
• What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

  The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to produce hormones that regulate other glands.
• What are the three hormones that regulate fluid and electrolyte balance?

  Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), aldosterone, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).
• What happens during times of stress in the endocrine system?

  The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to produce a hormone that increases cortisol production from the adrenal gland.
• What hormones does the thyroid gland secrete?

  Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
• What is the function of sex hormones produced by the endocrine glands in the reproductive system?

  They are responsible for secondary sex characteristics and the production of sex cells.
• What is the primary function of exocrine glands?

  To secrete substances onto an epithelial surface via ducts.
• What is the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?

  The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because it tells other glands to release hormones.
• What hormones are produced by the anterior pituitary gland?

  ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH, PL, MSH, and GH.
• How do hormones influence their target tissues?

  Hormones bind to specific receptors on target tissues, causing chemical changes inside the cells.
• What determines the size of the hormonal response in target tissues?

  The number of receptors and the concentration of the hormone.
• What is the role of negative feedback in hormone regulation?

  Negative feedback helps maintain homeostasis by decreasing hormone production when levels are too high.
• What is the function of insulin?

  Insulin lowers blood glucose levels and promotes glucose transport into cells.
• What is glucagon's role in blood glucose regulation?

  Glucagon stimulates the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver.
• What is glycogen?

  A major carbohydrate stored in cells, formed from glucose and stored mainly in the liver.
• What is the significance of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas?

  They secrete insulin and glucagon, regulating blood glucose levels.
• What is the primary role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

  To control the hormone system by signaling the pituitary gland.
• How does the endocrine system respond to stress?

  The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to increase cortisol production from the adrenal gland.
• What is the relationship between insulin and glucagon in blood glucose regulation?

  Insulin decreases blood glucose levels, while glucagon increases them.
• What is the role of hormones in sleep-waking patterns?

  Hormones regulate sleep-waking patterns through their influence on biorhythms.
• What are circadian rhythms?

  Physiological functions that exhibit regular cycles over a 24-hour period.
• What are the health implications of disrupted biorhythms?

  Disrupted biorhythms can lead to various health issues, including sleep disorders and metabolic problems.
• What are the key features and significance of sleep stages?

  • Different stages of sleep include REM and non-REM sleep.
  • Each stage has distinct physiological characteristics.
  • Sleep stages are crucial for physical and mental restoration.
• What are the functions of the endocrine system?

  • Regulates fluid and electrolyte balance.
  • Coordinates the response to stress.
  • Regulates growth and metabolism.
  • Regulates reproduction.
• What are the types of hormone regulation mechanisms?

  • Antagonistic: Hormones oppose each other's effects.
  • Permissive: One hormone requires the effect of another.
  • Synergistic: Hormones complement each other simultaneously.
• What are the main hormones produced by the anterior pituitary gland?

  • ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone)
  • TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
  • FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
  • LH (luteinising hormone)
  • PL (prolactin)
  • MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone)
  • GH (growth hormone)
• What is the role of the pancreas in blood glucose regulation?

  • Produces insulin to lower blood glucose levels.
  • Produces glucagon to raise blood glucose levels.
  • Contains Islets of Langerhans for hormone secretion.
• What are the hormones secreted by the Islets of Langerhans?

  • Alpha cells: Glucagon
  • Beta cells: Insulin
  • Delta cells: Digestive enzymes
• What is the significance of negative feedback in the endocrine system?

  • Maintains homeostasis by regulating hormone levels.
  • Reduces hormone production when levels are too high.
  • Increases hormone production when levels are too low.
• What are the physiological functions that exhibit circadian rhythmicity?

  • Sleep-wake cycles
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Body temperature regulation
• What are the health implications of disrupted biorhythm?

  • Sleep disorders
  • Metabolic issues
  • Mood disturbances
• What is glycogen?

  A major carbohydrate stored in cells, formed from repeating units of glucose.
• Where is glycogen mainly stored in the body?

  Glycogen is mainly stored in the liver.
• What happens to glycogen when the body needs glucose?

  Glycogen is depolymerised to glucose, which is released into circulation.
• What is insulin?

  A hormone secreted by beta cells of the pancreas.
• When is insulin secreted?

  Insulin is secreted in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood.
• What is the primary function of insulin?

  It lowers blood glucose levels and promotes glucose transport into cells.