endocrine system

• What is homeostasis?

  Process of maintaining a constant internal environment
• Which body systems interact to maintain homeostasis?

  Multiple body systems including cardiovascular and nervous
• Why is homeostasis vital for cells?

  It ensures a compatible internal environment for cell function
• Which system has the major responsibility for regulating homeostasis?

  The endocrine system
• What must be maintained regardless of environmental changes?

  The balance of internal body conditions
• How are hormones usually dispersed in the body?

  Through circulation in the blood
• What is a hormone?

  A chemical regulating target cell activity

  
• What does homeostasis balance in the body?

  Excretion, nutrient intake, and metabolic consumption
• What are glands?

  Organs that synthesize substances for release
• What is a receptor in the context of hormones?

  A target for a hormone
• What do neurotransmitters do?

  They target receptors at synapses
• What is the difference between exocrine and endocrine glands?

  Exocrine glands release fluids outside the body

  
• What are the endocrine functions of the pancreas?

  Releases insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream
• What do hormones exert their effects on?

  Target cells with specific receptors

  
• How many different receptors does adrenaline have?

  Five different receptors
• What are the two types of hormones?

  Water soluble and lipid soluble
• What is the major mineralocorticoid produced by the adrenal gland?

  Aldosterone
• What happens when a water-soluble hormone binds to its receptor?

  It activates enzymes inside the cell

  
• How do lipid-soluble hormones interact with their target cells?

  They bind to receptors inside the target cells

  
• What does the hypothalamus control?

  The pituitary gland's hormone release

  
• Where is the hypothalamus located?

  Just below the thalamus of the brain
• Name one releasing hormone produced by the hypothalamus.

  Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)
• What are releasing hormones?

  Hormones that stimulate the anterior pituitary
• What does the posterior pituitary do?

  Stores and releases hormones from the hypothalamus

  
• What is the role of the hormone-receptor complex?

  It alters gene expression in the cell

  
• Why do water-soluble hormones have receptors outside their target cells?

  They cannot diffuse across lipid membranes

  
• What is the pathway of the hypothalamus to the adrenal glands?

  CRH to ACTH to cortisol production

  
• What type of hormone does the somatotroph secrete?

  Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
• What hormones does the posterior pituitary release?

  Vasopressin and oxytocin
• What does the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) control?

  The thyroid gland that regulates metabolism
• What is the function of the anterior pituitary?

  Synthesizes and secretes a wide range of hormones
• What is the shape and location of the adrenal glands?

  Flattened pyramid shape on top of kidneys

  
• What happens if adrenal hormones are lost?

  It leads to death by dehydration/electrolyte imbalance
• What are the three zones of the adrenal cortex?

  Zona glomerulosa, fasciculata, reticularis

  
• What does the zona glomerulosa secrete?

  Mineralocorticoids, mainly aldosterone
• What triggers the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) pathway?

  Low blood pressure/volume

  
• What does angiotensin II do?

  Causes vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure
• What is the function of ACE inhibitors?

  Reduce vasoconstriction and lower blood pressure
• What do glucocorticoids regulate?

  Metabolism and the body’s stress response

  
• What happens when blood cortisol levels are low?

  Neurosecretory cells secrete corticotropin releasing hormone