Endocrine and Hormonal System Flashcards
(58 cards)
What are the major glands of the endocrine system?
- Pituitary gland
- Adrenal gland
- Thyroid gland
- Ovaries or testicles
- Pancreas
- Kidneys
These glands work together to regulate various bodily functions through hormone production.
What is the role of the hypothalamus in hormone regulation?
The hypothalamus senses hormone levels and releases substances that stimulate the pituitary gland to produce trophic hormones.
These hormones then act on various organs to release other hormones or perform actions.
What factors influence the hypothalamus?
- Odors
- Sounds
- Sights
- Stress
- Temperature
- Photoperiod
- Hormonal feedback
These factors help the hypothalamus determine the need for hormone production.
What is negative feedback in the endocrine system?
High levels of hormone decrease the activity of the hypothalamus.
This mechanism helps maintain hormonal balance.
What is positive feedback in the endocrine system?
Low levels of hormone cause increased activity of the hypothalamus.
This mechanism can lead to an increase in hormone production.
What are the four phases of the reproductive cycle?
- Proestrus
- Estrus
- Diestrus
- Anestrus
These phases are regulated by hormones released from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
What hormones are released in response to Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)?
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release these hormones.
What does FSH do in the reproductive cycle?
FSH causes a follicle to form and begin releasing estrogen.
Estrogen plays a key role in transitioning between reproductive phases.
What hormone does the corpus luteum release?
Progesterone
Progesterone prepares the uterus for reproduction and decreases GnRH production.
What happens to the corpus luteum if pregnancy occurs?
It helps maintain the pregnancy.
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates.
What is superovulation?
The process of inducing an animal to produce more follicles than is normal for the species.
For example, a cow can produce an average of 8 follicles instead of 1.
What are the risks of using estrogen compounds in pregnant animals?
They can lead to complications such as aplastic anemia and are banned in food-producing animals.
Care must be taken when administering these drugs.
What is the effect of androgens in animals?
Promote weight gain, red blood cell formation, and tissue anabolism.
They can also prevent estrus in female dogs.
What are progestins used for?
- Maintain pregnancy
- Suppress estrous cycles
- Treat behavioral issues
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is an example used in dogs and cats.
What are prostaglandins used for?
- Abort pregnancies
- Induce parturition
- Treat pyometra
pyometra is a buildup of pus in uterus
Monitoring for side effects is necessary after administration.
What does oxytocin do during labor?
Helps give stronger uterine contractions.
Care must be taken to ensure no physical blockage is present.
What is the role of melatonin in animals?
Treat hormone-related hair loss and induce estrous cycles earlier.
Used particularly in dogs and sheep.
What hormones do the thyroid glands convert iodine into?
- T3 (active form)
- T4 (inactive form)
The thyroid gland regulates various bodily processes.
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in animals?
- Fast heart rates
- Weight loss
- Hyperexcitability
Commonly seen in older cats.
What is hypothyroidism characterized by?
- Lethargy
- Poor skin and hair coat
- Bradycardia
Most common in dogs.
What is the treatment for hypothyroid animals?
Supplementation with synthetic T4 (levothyroxine).
Therapy must be lifelong with periodic rechecks.
What is the treatment for hyperthyroid animals?
Methimazole or radioactive iodine treatment.
Methimazole inhibits thyroid hormone production.
What is hypoadrenocorticism?
A disorder where the adrenal gland cannot produce aldosterone and glucocorticoids.
It is fatal if untreated and primarily affects dogs.
What is hyperadrenocorticism?
The oversecretion of aldosterone and glucocorticoids by the adrenal gland.
Commonly known as Cushing’s disease.