Animal Hormones Flashcards
hypothalamus
located just above the pituitary gland and is about the size of an almond. Its main function is to control the pituitary gland via hormonal and neural stimulation.
Oxytocin
Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth; hormonal trigger for milk production. Oxytocic drugs are used to induce labor.
This hormone is stimulated by stretching of the uterus resulting in contractions, and my breast feeding resulting in lactation (milk production)
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Inhibits urine production which conserves water and prevents large swings in water balance.
This hormone is stimulated by a rise in blood solute concentration.
This hormone is repressed by a decrease in blood solute concentration.
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
a.k.a. thyrotropin
Action- stimulates normal development of the thyroid gland.
Stimulation- The hypothalamus of the brain triggers TSH release.
Inhibition- high levels of thyroid hormones inhibit TSH secretion.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Action- Stimulates the adrenal cortex to release corticosteroids, which help the body resist stress.
Stimulation- Released as part of a daily rhythm with its highest level in the morning.
Inhibition- increased levels of corticosteroids, fever, low blood sugar, and stress all block ACTH production.
Gonadotropins
These hormones stimulate the production of gonadal hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH)
Action- Stimulates the production of sperm and eggs.
In females, FSH causes eggs to mature
Stimulation- puberty
Inhibition- an increase in gonadal hormone levels
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Action- Promote the production of gonadal hormones.
In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone.
Stimulation- puberty
Inhibition- an increase in gonadal hormone levels.
Growth Hormone (GH)
Action- An anabolic hormone that
Acts on metabolism by mobilizing fat deposits, encouraging their use for fuel, and conserving glucose. It also increases protein uptake.
Acts on growth by increased uptake of nutrients and increased bone and collagen production.
Stimulation- stimulation to the bone growth plates and skeletal muscle.
Inhibition- Increased levels of GH lower production levels of GH.
Prolactin (PRL)
Action- Stimulates milk production. Its role in males is not understood.
Stimulation- Estrogen stimulates PRL release. Increased PRL levels can cause breast tenderness and swelling before the menstrual cycle for some women. Breastfeeding also triggers production of PRL.
Inhibition- a type of dopamine called prolactin inhibiting hormone inhibits PRL release.
Thyroid Hormone
Stimulated by TSH, Increases metabolic rate and body heat by increasing glucose breakdown (cellular respiration).
Regulates tissue growth
Maintains blood pressure
Thyroxine (T4)
One of two components of thyroid hormone.
The major hormone produced in the thyroid
4 iodines are used in the creation of this hormone.
Triiodothyronine a.k.a T3
A secondary component of thyroid hormone. It is often made when target cells convert T4 to T3
3 iodines are present in this hormone.
Calcitonin
Protein based hormone released in response to increased blood Calcium levels.
Has no known effect in the body.
At prescribed doses (extra large) it can help conserve bone mass and is used to treat some bone density disorders.
Inhibits osteoclasts
Stimulates Calcium uptake from the blood.
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
PTH is a protein hormone that controls calcium levels.
Calcium is critical for the nervous system to function, muscle contractions, and blood clotting.
Stimulation: falling blood calcium levels.
Inhibition: Rising blood calcium levels.
Action: Increases blood calcium levels 3 ways
Stimulate osteoclasts to digest bone and release calcium.
Promote vitamin D production which increases calcium absorption in the digestive tract.
Increase calcium absorption in the kidneys.
