week 13

• What is the primary function of the endocrine system?


  The endocrine system regulates body functions by using hormones that travel through the bloodstream to target cells for prolonged effects
• How does the nervous system differ from the endocrine system in regulating body functions?


  The nervous system uses electrical signals for immediate, short-term responses, while the endocrine system uses hormones for prolonged effects.
• Name the major glands in the endocrine system.

  Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pineal, gonads, pancreas, and hypothalamus.
• What are the three types of hormones?

  Amino acid-based (water-soluble), steroid hormones (lipid-soluble), and eicosanoids (act locally).
• What are the functions of hormones?


  Hormones alter membrane permeability, activate enzymes, and initiate mitosis.
• How is hormone regulation typically achieved?


  Through negative feedback, where hormone production is triggered and then stopped once the desired effect is achieved.
• What are the three triggers for hormone release?


  Humoral (changes in blood composition), hormonal (one hormone triggers another), and neural (nerve signals).
• What hormones are secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland?


  Oxytocin (controls uterine contractions and lactation) and antidiuretic hormone (promotes water reabsorption).
• What is the role of the thyroid gland?


  The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone (TH), which increases metabolic rate, promotes heat production, supports tissue growth, and maintains blood pressure.
• What does the parathyroid hormone (PTH) do?


  PTH regulates calcium levels by increasing blood calcium through bone release and kidney reabsorption
• What are the two parts of the adrenal glands, and what do they produce?


  The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids (e.g., mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, gonadocorticoids), and the adrenal medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine for the fight-or-flight response.
• What hormone does the pineal gland produce, and what is its function?


  The pineal gland produces melatonin, which regulates the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep.
• What are the endocrine functions of the pancreas?


  The pancreas produces insulin (lowers blood glucose) and glucagon (raises blood glucose).
• What is diabetes mellitus, and what are its types?


  Diabetes mellitus is a condition where insulin regulation is impaired.

  • Type I: Insulin-dependent, autoimmune, requires insulin injections.
  • Type II: Insulin-resistant, often managed with diet or medication.
• What are the key symptoms of diabetes?

  Polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (thirst), and polyphagia (hunger).
• What is hypothyroidism, and how is it treated?


  Hypothyroidism is insufficient thyroid hormone production, often treated with lifelong hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine).
• What is hyperthyroidism, and what are its treatments?


  Hyperthyroidism is excessive thyroid hormone production, treated with medication, radioactive iodine, or thyroid removal, which may require hormone replacement therapy.
• What are the processes of the digestive system?


  Ingestion, propulsion, mechanical breakdown, digestion, absorption, and defecation.
• What is GERD?


  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is acid reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
• What are the key roles of the liver in digestion?


  The liver produces bile, processes nutrients, detoxifies chemicals, and regulates metabolism.
• What is hepatitis, and what are its causes?


  Hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by viruses (A-E), alcohol, or drug toxicity.
• What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?


  NAFLD is a liver condition associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, often treatable in its early stages.
• What is cirrhosis, and what are its causes?


  Cirrhosis is the end-stage liver inflammation, often caused by chronic alcoholism, NAFLD, or infection, leading to liver failure or cancer.
• What is diabetic nephropathy, and how does it affect kidney function?


  Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes that damages kidney function, leading to protein leakage and potential renal failure.
• What is the function of diuretics?


  Diuretics increase urine output and reduce blood volume.