Endocrine System

• What should you be able to identify by the end of the session?

  Contributions of the endocrine system to homeostasis
• What is discussed regarding hormones in the session?

  Chemical composition and mechanisms of action
• Which glands' hormones are summarized in the session?

  Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal
• What aspect of the reproductive system is discussed?

  Hormonal regulation of the reproductive system
• What role do pancreatic endocrine cells play?

  Regulation of blood glucose levels

  
• Which organs are identified for their secondary endocrine functions?

  Heart, kidneys, and other organs
• What diseases are discussed in relation to the endocrine system?

  Common diseases associated with endocrine dysfunction
• What developmental aspects of the endocrine system are covered?

  Embryonic development and effects of aging
• What are the components of the endocrine system?

  Endocrine glands, hormones, receptors

  
• What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

  Coordinates and directs the activity of body cells

  
• How does the endocrine system release hormones?

  Directly into the bloodstream

  
• What processes does the endocrine system oversee?

  Metabolism, growth, reproduction, body defenses
• How do hormones diffuse in the body?

  Into the bloodstream from extracellular spaces

  
• What is the link between the nervous and endocrine systems?

  Primarily via the hypothalamus

  
• What does the autonomic nervous system do in relation to endocrine glands?

  Directly stimulates endocrine glands to release hormones
• What does the nervous system regulate?

  Short-term behaviors like breathing and digestion
• What does the endocrine system regulate?

  Long-term behaviors like growth and metabolism
• What are hormones?

  Chemical substances secreted by endocrine glands

  
• How do hormones travel in the body?

  Via the bloodstream

  
• What are the two main types of hormones?

  Steroidal and non-steroidal hormones
• What is the mechanism of action for hormones?

  Bind to specific receptors on target cells

  
• What are the two mechanisms of hormone action?

  Direct gene activation and second messenger system

  
• What happens during direct gene activation?

  Steroid hormones bind to DNA and promote transcription

  
• What is the first step in the direct gene activation process?

  Hormone diffuses through the cell membrane
• What is the role of cAMP in the second messenger system?

  Activates protein kinase enzymes
• What triggers hormone secretion?

  Negative feedback mechanism
• What are the three types of stimuli for hormone secretion?

  Hormonal, humoral, neural stimuli
• What does hormonal stimuli involve?

  Release of a hormone activating another gland

  
• What does humoral stimuli involve?

  Changes in substance levels triggering hormone release
• What does neural stimuli involve?

  Nerve impulses stimulating hormone release
• What is the role of the hypothalamus?

  Highest level of endocrine control
• What does the hypothalamus regulate?

  Heart rate, body temperature, fluid balance

  
• What hormones does the hypothalamus produce?

  Releasing and inhibiting hormones

  
• Where is the pituitary gland located?

  Within the sella turcica at the brain's base
• What is the size of the pituitary gland?

  Size of a pea
• How does the pituitary gland function with the hypothalamus?

  Acts in combination to regulate other glands

  
• What are the two distinct portions of the pituitary gland?

  Anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary

  
• What is the role of the anterior pituitary?

  Regulates the activity of other endocrine glands

  
• What is the role of the posterior pituitary?

  Stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus

  
• What are the main functions of the endocrine system?

  • Coordinates body cell activity
  • Secretes hormones into the bloodstream
  • Oversees metabolism, growth, reproduction, body defenses, sleep, and mood