Endocrine Glands And Hormones

Question 1

What does the hypothalamus control and where is it found

Answer 1

found in the brain (above the brainstem)

controls, hormones, homeostasis and also thermoregulation, circadian rhythms

Question 2

How does the hypothalamus control thermoregulation

Answer 2

controlled via thermoreceptors in the hypothalamus that compare the current temp with a set point
any increase or decrease sees effectors such as muscles and glands work to counteract the change

Question 3

What lobe of the pituitary produces and secretes its own hormones in response to releasing hormones from the hypothalamus

Answer 3

anterior lobe

Question 4

How do hormones travel from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary

Answer 4

via blood vessels known as hypothalmic- pituitary portal vessels

Question 5

how do hormones travel from the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary

Answer 5

along nerve axons

Question 6

What is a common method of regulation used in hypothalamus hormones

Answer 6

negative feedback inhibition

Question 7

What is the main function of the thyroid hormone

Answer 7

to regulate metabolism

Question 8

where is the thyroid gland located

Answer 8

neck, just below adams apple

Question 9

what hormones does the thyroid gland produce

Answer 9

thyroid hormones ( t3 and t4 (thyroxine)) - influence metabolic rate 
calcitonin - acts to decrease blood calcium levels

Question 10

what cells produce the thyroid hormones

Answer 10

follicular cells of the thyroid gland

Question 11

simple goitre

Answer 11

swelling of thyroid gland

Question 12

how many parathyroid glands are there

Answer 12

in majority of people - 4

Question 13

where are the parathyroid glands found

Answer 13

on the internal surface of the thyroid gland

Question 14

what is produced by the parathyroid glands

Answer 14

parathyroid hormones which regulate blood calcium levels

Question 15

when is insulin released and what is its function

Answer 15

released in response to raised blood glucose and acts to lower it

Question 16

when is glucagon released and what is its function

Answer 16

released in response to low blood glucose and acts to raise blood glucose by breaking down glycogen and fat etc

Question 17

glycogen in humans

Answer 17

acts as energy storage

Question 18

where are the adrenal glands found

Answer 18

lie on top of the kidneys

Question 19

what is produced in the adrenal glands

Answer 19

cortex hormones - cortisol, aldosterone, androgens

Question 20

cortisol

Answer 20

glucocorticoid that has metabolic effects and activates anti-stress and anti-inflammatory pathways

Question 21

aldosterone

Answer 21

mineralocorticoid - release controlled by RAAS. regulates BP by promoting reabsorption of Na and H2O

Question 22

describe the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Answer 22

1 - liver produces angiotensiogen
2 - in response to low fluid volume, kidneys produce renin which converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin 1
3 - this is further converted by enzyme ACE to angiotensin 2
4 - this acts on the adrenal glands and stimulates aldosterone release
5 - aldoesterone acts on kidneys and causes water retention increasing fluid volume and therefore BP

Question 23

androgens

Answer 23

gonadocorticoids

contribute to pubertal growth and sexual characteristics

Question 24

addisons disease

Answer 24

very serious condition where the adrenal glands are damaged and dont produce enough cortisol or aldosterone