Endocrine System

Question 1

What type of system is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

Slow acting

It operates based on chemicals (hormones) and has a slow transmission rate.

Question 2

What are the effects of hormones produced by the endocrine system?

Answer 2

Long lasting, widespread effects

Hormones have prolonged impacts on various bodily functions.

Question 3

What distinguishes exocrine glands from endocrine glands?

Answer 3

Exocrine glands have ducts; endocrine glands are ductless

Endocrine glands produce hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Question 4

What are hormones?

Answer 4

A protein or steroid produced by endocrine glands

Hormones are carried in the blood to target organs.

Question 5

Name three major hormonal glands.

Answer 5

• Pituitary
• Hypothalamus
• Thyroid

This is a partial list of the major glands in the endocrine system.

Question 6

Where is the pituitary gland located?

Answer 6

Base of brain

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ due to its role in regulating other glands.

Question 7

What hormone is produced by the pituitary gland?

Answer 7

Growth hormone

This hormone is crucial for bone elongation (growth).

Question 8

What is the function of ADH?

Answer 8

Causes water to be reabsorbed in kidneys

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) helps regulate water balance in the body.

Question 9

What hormone is produced by the pineal gland?

Answer 9

Melatonin

Melatonin controls body rhythms, such as sleep-wake cycles.

Question 10

What is the primary function of parathormone?

Answer 10

Controls release of calcium from bones into plasma

Parathormone plays a critical role in calcium homeostasis.

Question 11

What hormone does the thymus produce and what is its function?

Answer 11

Thymosin; matures white blood cells

Thymosin is essential for the immune system development.

Question 12

What hormone is associated with emergency responses?

Answer 12

Adrenaline

Also known as epinephrine, it prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.

Question 13

What is the role of insulin?

Answer 13

Reduces blood sugar levels

Insulin is crucial for glucose metabolism and energy regulation.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The _______ regulates metabolism.

Answer 14

Thyroid

The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolic rates.

Question 15

Where is the adrenal gland located?

Answer 15

Top of kidneys

The adrenal glands produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The _______ is located on the trachea and produces Thyroxine.

Answer 16

Thyroid

Thyroxine is a key hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism.

Question 17

What is the function of thymosin?

Answer 17

Matures white blood cells

Thymosin is important for the immune response, particularly in childhood.

Question 19

What does a deficiency of thyroxine cause in young children?

Answer 19

Cretinism (mental/physical retardation)

Cretinism is characterized by severe physical and mental growth retardation.

Question 20

What are the effects of thyroxine deficiency in adults?

Answer 20

Goitre, myxoedema, reduced rates of metabolism, slow responses, lack of energy, excess weight, fluid build-up under skin

Myxoedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism in adults.

Question 21

How can thyroxine deficiency be controlled?

Answer 21

By taking thyroxine or iodine

Iodine is essential for the production of thyroxine.

Question 22

What are the results of excess thyroxine?

Answer 22

Increased rates of metabolism, weight loss, large appetite, Graves disease

Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland.

Question 23

How can excess thyroxine be controlled?

Answer 23

By removing part of the thyroid or killing it with radioactive iodine

Radioactive iodine therapy is a common treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Question 24

What type of gland is the pancreas considered?

Answer 24

Both an exocrine gland and an endocrine gland

The pancreas has both exocrine functions (digestive enzymes) and endocrine functions (insulin).

Question 25

What is diabetes characterized by?

Answer 25

The inability of the islets of Langerhans to make sufficient insulin ## Footnote Diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels and various complications.

Question 26

How can diabetes be controlled?

Answer 26

By regular injections of insulin and controlling the intake of carbohydrates ## Footnote Managing carbohydrate intake helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Question 27

What are anabolic steroids used for?

Answer 27

To enhance muscle growth in sport and agriculture ## Footnote Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone.

Question 28

What can abuse of anabolic steroids result in?

Answer 28

Liver and adrenal disorders and a number of sexual disorders ## Footnote Abuse can lead to serious health issues, including hormonal imbalances.

Question 29

What is negative feedback in relation to thyroxine?

Answer 29

Normal levels of thyroxine inhibit TSH production, reducing thyroxine production ## Footnote TSH stands for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone.

Question 30

What happens when thyroxine concentrations are reduced?

Answer 30

TSH is produced, leading to new thyroxine production until normal levels are restored ## Footnote This is a regulatory mechanism to maintain hormone balance.

Question 31

What is goitre?

Answer 31

A swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck ## Footnote Goitre can be symptomatic of thyroid dysfunction, particularly due to iodine deficiency.

Question 32

What causes goitre?

Answer 32

A lack of iodine, resulting in an underproduction of thyroxine ## Footnote The thyroid swells due to storing large amounts of TSH when thyroxine is low.