Endocrine System Flashcards
(42 cards)
What are the physical and chemical properties of Protein Type Hormones?
Consist of chains of amino acids, soluble in water, quicker release due to being produced and stored in glands
Examples include insulin and growth hormones.
How do Protein Hormones affect target cells?
They bind to protein receptors on the target cell’s membrane, activating an enzyme that converts ATP to cyclic AMP, acting as a second messenger
This initiates a cascade of enzyme reactions leading to the desired response.
What are the potential effects of Protein Hormones?
- Activation of a gene
- Change in membrane permeability
- Change in cell metabolism
What are Steroid Type Hormones made from?
Cholesterol, a lipid compound
They are not soluble in water but are soluble in lipids.
How do Steroid Hormones affect target cells?
They diffuse into target cells due to lipid solubility, combine with receptor molecules in the cytoplasm or nucleus, and activate genes on DNA
This leads to the production of proteins required for specific cellular actions.
What is the role of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland?
Links the nervous system and the endocrine system, regulating vital body functions including growth, stress response, reproduction, and metabolism.
What is Positive Feedback?
A feedback system designed to reinforce change and move the variable further away from the steady state
It is less common than negative feedback and is important in specific situations such as childbirth.
What are the key components of Positive Feedback?
- Monitor: Hypothalamus
- Coordinator: Posterior Pituitary
- Regulator: Oxytocin
What is Negative Feedback?
A mechanism used by the body to bring it back to an acceptable range, designed to resist change
Essential for maintaining homeostasis.
What are the key components of Negative Feedback?
- Monitor: Thyroid and parathyroid glands
- Coordinator: Thyroid and parathyroid glands
- Regulator: Calcitonin and PTH
What hormones does the pancreas produce for blood sugar regulation?
- Insulin: Lowers blood sugar
- Glucagon: Raises blood sugar
What are the symptoms of Diabetes?
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Rapid weight loss (type 1)
- Fatigue, weakness
- Nausea, blurred vision
- Tingling, numbness in hands and feet
What are long-term complications of unmanaged diabetes?
- Kidney disease/failure
- Blindness
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Amputation
What characterizes Type 1 Diabetes?
An autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing cells, leading to no insulin production
Symptoms can develop rapidly and are often severe.
What characterizes Type 2 Diabetes?
Insulin resistance where the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, and the pancreas may not produce enough insulin
Symptoms often develop slowly and can be mild.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Occurs during pregnancy due to increased hormones produced by the placenta causing insulin resistance
It’s typically temporary but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later.
What is Hypothyroidism?
A condition where the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroxine
Symptoms include sensitivity to cold, fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
A condition where the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone
Symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, and heat intolerance.
What is Acromegaly?
A long-term condition with too much growth hormone leading to enlarged body tissues
Symptoms include large hands, feet, and facial features.
What is Gigantism?
Abnormally large growth due to excess growth hormone during childhood before growth plates close.
What is Addison’s Disease?
A disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones
Symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and darkening of the skin.
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?
Caused by over secretion of cortisol, leading to muscle tissue breakdown and body fat redistribution
Symptoms include weight gain and ‘moon face’.
What are the phases of the Menstrual Cycle?
- Flow phase: Day 1-5
- Follicular Phase: Day 6-13
- Ovulation: Day 14
- Luteal Phase: Day 15-28
What happens during the Flow Phase of the Menstrual Cycle?
Menstruation occurs due to the breakdown of the endometrium after a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels.
