Endocrine System Flashcards
(58 cards)
What hormones increase glucose concentration?
Insulin, Glucagon, Cortisol, Epinephrine, Growth Hormone
These hormones play a vital role in glucose metabolism and regulation.
What are the Pancreatic Islets also known as?
Islets of Langerhans
Named after the German physician Paul Langerhans who discovered them.
What is the primary function of the Islets of Langerhans?
Regulation of blood glucose levels
They secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
What hormone is secreted by the beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans?
Insulin
Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular uptake.
What hormone is secreted by the alpha cells in the Islets of Langerhans?
Glucagon
Glucagon raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver.
Fill in the blank: The Islets of Langerhans are located in the _______.
Pancreas
True or False: The Islets of Langerhans contain only beta cells.
False
They contain multiple cell types, including alpha and delta cells.
What role do delta cells play in the Islets of Langerhans?
Secrete somatostatin
Somatostatin inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon.
List the three main types of cells found in the Islets of Langerhans.
- Alpha cells
- Beta cells
- Delta cells
What is the effect of insulin on the liver?
Stimulates glycogen synthesis
This process helps to lower blood glucose levels.
What triggers the release of glucagon from the Islets of Langerhans?
Low blood glucose levels
Glucagon release is stimulated when blood sugar levels drop.
Fill in the blank: The Islets of Langerhans are composed of _______ cells.
Endocrine
What is the corpus luteum?
A temporary endocrine structure in the ovaries that produces progesterone and estrogen after ovulation.
It forms from the follicle that housed the ovum and plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
What hormone does the corpus luteum primarily produce?
Progesterone
Progesterone is essential for preparing the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg.
True or False: The corpus luteum is permanent.
False
The corpus luteum is temporary and typically lasts about 14 days unless pregnancy occurs.
What happens to the corpus luteum if pregnancy does not occur?
It degenerates into the corpus albicans.
This degeneration leads to a decrease in hormone levels, triggering menstruation.
Fill in the blank: The corpus luteum forms from the _______.
[follicle]
Specifically, it forms from the follicle that has released an ovum during ovulation.
What additional hormone, besides progesterone, does the corpus luteum produce?
Estrogen
Estrogen produced by the corpus luteum helps maintain the uterine lining.
During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the corpus luteum develop?
Luteal phase
This phase occurs after ovulation and before menstruation.
What is the fate of the corpus luteum if pregnancy occurs?
It continues to produce hormones to support the pregnancy.
The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the placenta, which signals the corpus luteum to persist.
What are thymosins?
Thymosins are a group of hormones produced by the thymus gland that play a crucial role in immune function and T-cell development.
Thymosins are implicated in the maturation of T-lymphocytes, which are essential for adaptive immunity.
What is the primary function of thymosins?
The primary function of thymosins is to promote the development and differentiation of T-cells in the immune system.
This process is vital for the body’s ability to respond to infections and diseases.
Fill in the blank: Thymosins are produced by the _______.
[thymus gland]
True or False: Thymosins play a role in the development of B-cells.
False
Thymosins specifically influence T-cell development, not B-cells.
