Endocrine System Flashcards
Endocrine functions are essential in…
maintaining homeostasis and coordinating growth and development
Endocrine cells are typically…
epithelial, and release products directly into surrounding connective tissues
Endocrine cells produce secretions called…
hormones
What is a hormone?
Secretory products of endocrine cells, serve as signaling molecules (effectors) to regulate the activity of various cells, tissues, and organs of the body
Hormones act on specific cells with specific ___ for that hormone
receptor sites
What are three endocrine distribution control mechanisms?
Endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine secretion
endocrine distribution control mechanisms
What is endocrine secretion?
The most common mechanism
Discharged hormones enter blood stream and are transported to target cells
endocrine distribution control mechanisms
What is paracrine secretion?
Discharged hormones act on adjacent cells or diffuse to nearby target cells
endocrine distribution control mechanisms
What is autocrine secretion?
Discharged hormones act on the same endocrine cell
How is the pituitary gland attached to the hypothalamus?
The infundibulum (neural) and pars tuberalis vascular)
What are the two functional components of the pituitary gland?
Anterior lobe and posterior lobe
pituitary gland
What tissue is in the anterior lobe?
Glandular epithelial tissue
pituitary gland
Where is the pars distalis?
Comprises most of the anterior lobe
pituitary gland
What and where is the pars intermedia?
Thin remnant of the posterior wall of Rathke’s pouch
Borders the pars distalis in anterior lobe
pituitary gland
Function of the pars tuberalis
Part of anterior lobe
Forms a highly vascular sheath (around the infundibulum) which connects to the hypothalamus
