Endocrinology

    Cards (91)

    • What is the overall purpose of the endocrine system?
      To regulate body functions through hormones
    • What are the two parts of the learning outcomes in endocrinology?
      Understanding hormones and endocrine organ anatomy
    • How do the nervous and endocrine systems work together?
      They coordinate functions to maintain homeostasis
    • What is a hormone?
      A chemical mediator that regulates body functions
    • How does the endocrine system release hormones?
      Through the bloodstream to target cells
    • What distinguishes the nervous system from the endocrine system?
      Nervous system uses electrical impulses; endocrine uses hormones
    • What are the two classes of hormones based on solubility?
      Lipid-soluble and water-soluble hormones
    • How do lipid-soluble hormones interact with target cells?
      They bind to intracellular receptors inside the cell
    • What is the role of intracellular receptors?
      They bind hormones and influence gene expression
    • What happens when a lipid-soluble hormone binds to its receptor?
      The complex moves to the nucleus and alters gene expression
    • What is the function of water-soluble hormones?
      They bind to surface receptors and activate second messengers
    • What is the second messenger system in hormone action?
      It amplifies the signal inside the cell after hormone binding
    • What is the role of G-proteins in hormone signaling?
      They activate enzymes that produce second messengers
    • What is signal amplification in cell signaling?
      Increased intensity of a signal through intracellular reactions
    • What are the two forms of hormone receptors?
      Cell surface receptors and intracellular receptors
    • What is the primary function of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?
      It regulates the secretory activity of the pituitary gland
    • What hormones does the hypothalamus produce?
      Oxytocin and Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
    • How is the pituitary gland connected to the hypothalamus?
      By a stalk containing nerve fibers and blood vessels
    • What is the anatomical location of the pituitary gland?
      In the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone
    • What are the two parts of the pituitary gland?
      Anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary
    • How many hormones does the pituitary gland secrete?
      Nine different hormones
    • What is the function of the anterior pituitary?
      It produces and secretes various hormones
    • What are the major glands of the endocrine system?
      • Hypothalamus
      • Pituitary
      • Thyroid
      • Parathyroid
      • Adrenals
      • Pancreas
      • Gonads
    • What are the characteristics of hormone receptors?
      • Highly specific to one hormone
      • High affinity for low hormone concentrations
      • Low capacity, saturating at low concentrations
      • Dynamic, changing in expression and distribution
    • What are the mechanisms of hormone action?
      1. Extracellular receptors for water-soluble hormones
      2. Second messenger systems (e.g., cAMP)
      3. Intracellular receptors for lipid-soluble hormones
      4. Influence on gene expression and protein synthesis
    • What are the feedback mechanisms in hormone control?
      • Negative feedback: reduces hormone secretion
      • Positive feedback: increases hormone secretion
      • Influenced by blood biochemistry and other hormones
    • What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland?
      • Hypothalamus controls pituitary function
      • Connected by a stalk with nerve fibers and blood vessels
      • Pituitary secretes hormones influenced by hypothalamus
    • What are the anatomical regions of the anterior pituitary?
      • Pars distalis: majority of hormone production
      • Pars tuberalis: poorly understood function
      • Pars intermedia: boundary between anterior and posterior
    • What gland directly oversees the stimulation and hormone secretion of the adrenal medulla?
      Pituitary gland
    • Where is the pituitary gland located?
      Inferior to the hypothalamus
    • What is another term for the pituitary gland?
      Hypophysis
    • What is the structure of the pituitary gland?
      Small, slightly oval gland in the sphenoid bone
    • How is the pituitary gland connected to the hypothalamus?
      By a thin stalk called the infundibulum
    • How is the pituitary gland partitioned?
      Into anterior and posterior pituitary
    • How many different hormones does the pituitary gland secrete?
      Nine different hormones
    • What are the three anatomical regions of the anterior pituitary?
      Pars distalis, pars tuberalis, pars intermedia
    • What is the primary function of the pars distalis?
      Majority of pituitary hormone production occurs
    • What is known about the function of the pars tuberalis?
      Its function is poorly understood
    • What does the pars intermedia secrete?
      MSH (Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone)
    • What types of endocrine cells are found in the anterior pituitary?
      Somatotropes, prolactins, gonadotropes, corticotropes, thyrotropes