endocrine system & hormones Flashcards
(16 cards)
nervous system
uses neurotransmitters and neurons to convey information to and from the brain
sends information fast
endocrine system
uses hormones (chemical messengers) produced by endocrine organs that travel through the bloodstream to exert their effects on distant target organs
sends information slow
command center of the endocrine system
hypothalamus
hypothalamus
secretes: oxytocin & anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) - travel down infundibulum to pituitary gland; released directly into bloodstream
regulates: anterior pituitary gland through secretion of releasing hormones; TRH, CRH, GnRH - travel through hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system (connects hypothalamus to anterior pituitary)
anterior pituitary hormones
TSH, LH, FSH, GH, ACTH, prolactin
anterior pituitary is stimulated by HYPOTHALAMIC releasing hormones from hypothalamus to then secrete these hormones in response
where are the posterior pituitary hormones synthesized
HYPOTHALAMUS
“master gland”
anterior pituitary gland bc it releases so many hormones
what is the other name for ADH
vasopressin
what type of feedback system is used to release hormones
negative feedback loop - inhibits further secretion of hormones to not waste bodies resources and only use what is needed
hypothalamic releasing hormones
TRH, CRH, GnRH
(if hypothalamus is NOT stimulated, hypothalamic releasing hormones will NOT stimulate anterior pituitary gland to secrete hormones)
what does thyroid hormone do
influences growth rate of many body tissues needed for proper CNS development
main function = increase basal metabolic rate (BMR) + heat production
what does cortisol do
breaks down proteins and fats to help body adapt to stress and provide body with fuel from these broken down materials (catabolic process)
cortisol is an immunosuppressive + anti-inflammatory agent
what is the release of CRH regulated by
negative feedback, circadian rhythms, stress
LH in males
travels to leydig cells of seminiferous tubules of testes to release testosterone responsible for male sex drive & secondary sex characteristics
hypertrophy
glands + tissues of the body enlarge if they are continuously activated
atrophy
glands + tissues of the body shrink if constantly inhibited
