Endocrine System

• What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

  Regulate body functions and homeostasis
• How does the endocrine system operate functionally?

  It operates as a system despite not being anatomically connected
• What is the role of hormones in the endocrine system?

  They signal to bring change in the body

  
• What is the difference in homeostasis between invertebrates and vertebrates?

  Invertebrates lack true homeostasis mechanisms
• What is the primary function of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

  It acts as the command center
• What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?

  Endocrine glands secrete hormones into blood
• What are the two types of feedback in endocrine signaling?

  Negative and positive feedback

  
• What are the major functions controlled by the endocrine system?

  • Reproduction
  • Growth and development
  • Maintenance of electrolyte, water, and nutrient balance
  • Regulation of cellular metabolism and energy balance
  • Mobilization of body defenses
• How do steroid hormones differ from non-steroid hormones in terms of their action?

  Steroid hormones act on intracellular receptors

  
• What is the role of the anterior pituitary gland?

  It secretes various hormones like GH and TSH

  
• What hormone does the adrenal medulla secrete?

  Epinephrine and norepinephrine

  
• What is the function of glucagon in the pancreas?

  It promotes breakdown of glycogen to glucose
• What are the symptoms of hypersecretion of thyroid hormones?

  • Elevated metabolic rate
  • Sweating
  • Rapid heartbeats
  • Nervousness
  • Weight loss despite adequate food
• What is the role of calcitonin produced by parafollicular cells?

  Regulate calcium levels in the blood
• What is the effect of somatostatin in the endocrine system?

  It regulates growth hormones by inhibiting them
• How does the hypothalamus communicate with the pituitary gland?

  Through the infundibulum and hormones

  
• What are the effects of hyposecretion of growth hormone in children and adults?

  Children: Pituitary dwarfism

  Adults: Usually causes no problems
• What is the primary function of the pineal gland?

  Produces melatonin for sleep regulation
• What is the role of the thymus in the endocrine system?

  Produces hormones for T cell development
• What are the functions of the adrenal cortex hormones?

  • Mineralocorticoids: Regulate electrolyte concentrations
  • Glucocorticoids: Control metabolism and stress response
  • Gonadocorticoids: Promote growth and development
• What is the effect of diabetes insipidus?

  Causes excessive thirst and urination
• How does the body respond to increased blood glucose levels?

  Insulin promotes glucose uptake by cells

  
• What are the effects of hyposecretion of thyroid hormones?

  • Low metabolic rate
  • Thick/dry skin
  • Puffy eyes
  • Feeling chilled
  • Mental sluggishness
• How do feedback loops regulate hormone secretion?

  They respond to changes from baseline levels

  
• What is the primary role of the pancreas in the endocrine system?

  Maintain blood glucose homeostasis
• What is the function of leptin produced by adipose tissue?

  Regulates eating behavior and energy balance
• What are the long-term effects of the endocrine system?

  • Fluid and electrolyte balance
  • Cell and tissue metabolism
  • Growth and development
  • Reproductive functions
• What is the role of the vascular endothelium in the endocrine system?

  Regulates blood pressure through endothelin
• How does the adrenal medulla respond to stress?

  Secretes catecholamines for 'fight or flight'
• What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland?

  The hypothalamus regulates anterior pituitary secretion

  
• What is the primary hormone produced by the adrenal cortex's outer zone?

  Aldosterone

  
• What is the effect of hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults?

  Results in acromegaly
• What hormone is produced by the posterior pituitary gland?

  Oxytocin

  
• What is the role of the hypothalamus in regulating the pituitary gland?

  It releases hormones that control pituitary secretion

  
• How do peptide hormones transmit their signals?

  By binding to extracellular receptors

  
• What is the primary function of the thyroid gland?

  Regulate metabolism and growth
• What is the effect of hypersecretion of thyroid hormones?

  Causes Graves' disease symptoms
• How does the endocrine system provide long-term regulation?

  By adjusting homeostatic mechanisms over time
• What is the role of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas?

  Secrete hormones like insulin and glucagon
• What is the function of the adrenal cortex's middle zone?

  Secretes glucocorticoids like cortisol