Overview Of The Endocrine System And Endocrine Diseases

Front 1

What are the main types of hormones?

What is the molecular composition of each type?

Back 1

Hormones can be grouped into three main types:

1. amines, these are simple molecules

2. proteins and peptides which are made from chains of amino acids

3. steroids which are derived from cholesterol.

Front 2

What is the main morphological difference between an exocrine and endocrine gland?

Back 2

Endocrine glands are ductless - they release hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands have ducts to secrete molecules outwards.

Front 3

What are the primary/principle endocrine organs?

Back 3

1. Pituitary

2. Thyroid

3. Parathyroid

4. Adrenal

5. Pineal

Front 4

What are the main components of the endocrine system?

Back 4

1. Principle glands

2. Other glands

3. Brain - hypothalamus

Front 5

What are the mechanisms of hormone release?

Back 5

1. Humoral - response to changing levels in the blood

2. Neural - stimulation by nerves

3. Hormonal - stimulation received by other hormones

Front 6

What is THE principle function of the endocrine system?

Back 6

To maintain homeostasis.

Front 7

What are the differences between the nervous and endocrine systems which allow them to coordinate to maintain homeostasis?

Back 7

Endocrine system releases hormones into the blood slowly to cause a long term effect and the nervous system causes nervous excitation to have a very fast local, brief effect. Combined they can cause a very broad range of effects.

Front 8

Where do the nervous and endocrine systems 'overlap'?

Back 8

At the hypothalamus and pituitary gland as there are 2 outputs from the hypothalamus affect the pituitary.

Front 9

How does the hypothalamus communicate with the pituitary gland?

Back 9

Releases 5 hormones which directly cause the further release of hormones from the pituitary

and releases 2 hormones which inhibit the release of other other hormones from the pituitary.

Front 10

In detail, describe the anatomy of the pituitary gland.

Back 10

Pea shaped 1/2 inch gland found in the sella tucica.

Made up of 2 lobes:

1. The anterior lobe - 75% of the gland

2. The posterior lobe - 25% of the gland

Front 11

What is the role of the posterior pituitary?

Back 11

Largely a bed of axonal projections from the hypothalamus which communicates with the pituitary gland. A vital part of the posterior pituitary's functions is the presence of pituicytes which store and release hormones.

Front 12

What types of hormones does the hypothalamus release to control the pituitary gland?

Back 12

1. Releasing hormones - cause release of hormones from the anterior pituitary lobe

2. Inhibitory hormones - reverse effect of releasing hormones

Front 13

What are the releasing hormones which the hypothalamus releases?

Back 13

1. Thyroid releasing hormone (TRH)

2. Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)

3. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GRH)

4. Prolactin releasing factor (PRF)

5. Growth Factor releasing hormone (GHRH)

Green Cars Going Past Tares

Gonadotropin,Corticotropin,Growth,Prolactin,Thyroid

Front 14

What does the posterior pituitary gland secrete?

Back 14

Secretes oxytocin and ADH down specialed axons.

Front 15

What is the function of Thyroid stimulating hormone?

Back 15

Stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones

Front 16

What is the function of Adrenocorticotropic hormone / corticotropin?

Back 16

Stimulates the adrenal artex to produce corticosteroids - Aldosterone and cortisol

Front 17

What is the role of Follicule stimulating hormone?

Back 17

1. Stimulates follicle growth

2. Stimulates ovarian estrogen production

3. Stimulates sperm production

4. Stimulates androgen binding protein

Front 18

What is the role of Luteinizing hormone?

Back 18

1. Stimulates androgen secretion

2. Role in ovulation

Front 19

What is the role of Growth Hormone?

Back 19

Stimulates growth of skeletal epiphyseal and body to synthesise protein.

Front 20

What is the role of Prolactin (PRL) ?

Back 20

Stimulates mammary glands in breast to make milk.

Front 21

What is the role of Melanocyte Stimulating Hormones?

Back 21

Stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin

Front 22

List the Anterior Pituitary hormones.

Back 22

1. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

2. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

3. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

4. Luteinizing hormone (LH)

5. Growth hormone (GH)

6. Prolactin (PRL)

Always Trying, Failing, Living, Giving and Producing

Front 23

List the Posterior Pituitary hormones.

Back 23

1. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

2. Oxytocin

Front 24

What is the role of oxytocin?

Back 24

Prompts the contraction of smooth muscle in the reproductive tracts which induces labour and milk ejection.