ENDOCRINE

• What is the endocrine system primarily responsible for?

  Control systems of the body
• How does the endocrine system relate to the nervous system?

  It is connected to the nervous system
• What do glands in the endocrine system secrete?

  Hormones
• How are hormones transported in the body?

  Through the plasma of the blood
• What are the two important structures that integrate the nervous and endocrine systems?

  Pituitary gland and hypothalamus
• What is the role of the hypothalamus in relation to the pituitary gland?

  Regulates secretory activity of the pituitary gland
• How many major hormones does the pituitary gland secrete?

  At least 9 major hormones
• What is the pituitary stalk also known as?

  Infundibulum
• What is the posterior pituitary gland also called?

  Neurohypophysis
• What type of tissue composes the posterior pituitary gland?

  Neural tissue
• What are the two neurohormones stored and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland?

  Antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin
• What is the function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?


  Prevents large amounts of urine output
• Why is ADH also known as vasopressin?

  It constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure
• What is diuresis?

  Excessive production of urine
• What role does oxytocin play in reproduction?

  Stimulates labor in pregnant mammals
• How is oxytocin transported to the posterior pituitary gland?

  Through axons to the axon terminals
• What is one of the functions of oxytocin during menstruation?

  Causes contraction of uterine smooth muscle
• What is oxytocin's role in breastfeeding?

  Facilitates milk letdown
• How does oxytocin affect sperm movement?

  Facilitates movement through the uterus
• What is oxytocin often referred to as?

  Love hormone or cuddle hormone
• What effect does touch have on oxytocin levels?

  Boosts oxytocin release
• What hormones are associated with feelings of happiness when attracted to someone?

  Oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin
• What is the primary function of growth hormone (GH)?

  Stimulates growth in most tissues
• How does GH affect metabolism?

  Regulates metabolism and blood nutrient levels
• What does GH increase in cells?

  Movement of amino acids into cells
• What is the effect of GH on lipids?

  Increases lipolysis and fatty acid release
• How does GH affect glucose synthesis?

  Increases glucose synthesis by the liver
• What condition results from excess GH in adults?

  Acromegaly
• What condition results from excess GH in children?

  Gigantism
• What is growth hormone deficiency also known as?

  Dwarfism
• What happens to the epiphyseal plates in adults with acromegaly?

  No height increase occurs
• What is the role of prolactin in females?

  Milk production by mammary glands
• How does prolactin affect progesterone secretion?

  Enhances progesterone secretion after ovulation
• What is the established role of prolactin in males?

  No clear role established
• What is the significance of the pituitary stalk (infundibulum)?

  Connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus
• What hormones are released by the posterior pituitary gland?

  Neurohormones: ADH and oxytocin
• How does growth hormone affect protein metabolism?

  Increases amino acid incorporation into proteins
• What is the condition caused by excess growth hormone in adults?

  Acromegaly
• What is the role of hypothalamic neuropeptides in prolactin secretion?

  Involved in the complex regulation of prolactin
• What condition results from elevated GH levels?

  Acromegaly