45 Chapter Flashcards
(89 cards)
In animals, hormones are secreted into the extracellular fluid, circulate in the blood (or hemolymph), and communicate regulatory messages throughout the body.
True
Target cells
Cells with the matching receptor to the hormone.
Endocrine system basic function
Chemical signaling by hormones
Nervous system
A network of neurons that transmit signals along dedicated pathways.
Endocrine signaling
Secreted molecules diffuse into the bloodstream and trigger responses in target cells anywhere in the body. Hormones secreted into extracellular fluid by endocrine cells reach target cells via the bloodstream (or hemolymph).
Local regulators
Molecules that act over short distances and reach their target cells solely by diffusion.
Local regulators include:
Cytokines and growth factors
Cytokines
Enable communication between immune cells
Growth factors
Promote growth, division, and development of many types of cells
Signaling by local regulators can either be ____________ or ____________
Paracrine, autocrine
Paracrine signaling
Target cells lie near the secreting cell. Secreted molecules diffuse locally and trigger a response in neighboring cells.
Autocrine signaling
The secreting cells themselves are the target cells. Secreted molecules diffuse locally and trigger a response in the cells that secrete them.
Prostaglandin
Are modified fatty acid local regulators that are secreted by virtually all tissues and that perform a wide variety of functions. For example, it functions in reproduction and in inflammation and blood clotting as part of the immune system
Synapses
Are specialized junctions between two nerve cells where they communicate with each other by transmitting electrical or chemical signals.
Neurotransmitter
A molecule that is released from the synaptic terminal of a neuron at a chemical synapse, diffuses across the synaptic cleft, and binds to the postsynaptic cell, triggering a response.
Synaptic signaling
Neurotransmitters diffuse across synapses and trigger responses in cells of target tissues (neurons, muscles, or glands).
Neurohormone
A molecule that is secreted by a neuron, travels in body fluids, and acts in specific target cells, changing their functioning.
Neuroendocrine signaling
Neurohormones diffuse into the bloodstream and trigger responses in target cells anywhere in the body.
Pheromones
Chemicals that are released into the external environment.
Nitric oxide (NO)
A gas produced by many types of cells that functions as a local regulator and as a neurotransmitter. When the level of oxygen in the blood falls, endothelial cells in blood vessel walls synthesize and release NO. After diffusing into the surrounding smooth muscle cells, NO activated an enzyme that relaxes the cells. The result is vasodilation, which increases blood flow to tissues.
Hormones fall into three major chemical classes:
Polypeptides, steroids, and amines
Polypeptide hormone characteristics
-Water-soluble (hydrophilic)
-Contains two chains in its active form
Ex. Insulin
Steroid hormone characteristics
-Lipid-soluble (hydrophobic)
-Are lipids that contain four fused carbon rings.
-Are all derived from the steroid cholesterol.
Ex. Cortisol
Amine hormones
-Can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic
-Are synthesized from a single amino acid, either tyrosine or tryptophan
Ex. Epinephrine and thyroxine