Introduction to Endocrine and Exocrine Glands Flashcards
Define hormone
A regulatory substance, usually steroid or peptide, produced in an organ or specialised group of cells, transported in tissue fluids (blood), stimulate specific cells or tissues into action
define neurotransmitter
a chemical substance released at the end of a nerve fibre by the arrival of a nerve impulse, diffuses across the synapse, effects the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fibre, a muscle fibre, a gland cell or some other structure.
define receptor
Target cell for hormone / neurotransmitter
define ligand
Natural chemical which triggers the receptor
define agonist
Binds to the receptor and triggers a response
Can be a natural ligand or a drug
define antagonist
Binds to the same receptor and dampens/blocks a response
Usually a drug
two types of hormones
water soluble
lipid soluble
water soluble hormones include…
Include amine-containing hormones.
Adrenaline
Noradrenaline
lipi dsoluble hormones include…
Include the steroid containing hormones.
Cortisol
Aldosterone
Androgens
Oestrogens and progestogens
Water soluble hormones have their receptors
outside
Water soluble hormones cannot
diffuse across the lipid cell membranes
The binding of …
the hormone to the receptor activates enzymes inside the cell that regulate the biochemical activity of the cell..
cellular processes are modulated (regulated by…
…. instructions the cell receives by the attachment of the hormone to the receptor withoutthe hormone molecule actually entering the cell.
fat soluble hormones are…
lipophilic - they dissolve in fats
what are fat soluble hormones usually formed from?
cholesterol (an important component of cell membranes) so are also referred to as steroid hormones.
Lipid soluble hormones have their receptors
inside their target cells
Because the hormones are lipid soluble, they can…
diffuse across cell membranes
the hormone moleccules passes through the..
cell membrane and binds to a receptor to form a hormone receptor complex
The hormone molecule passes through the cell membrane and binds t
a receptor to form a hormone-receptor complex.
The hormone-receptor complex moves to
the nucleus of the cell and binds to a region of DNA.
The binding of the complex to the cell’s DNA alters
gene expression and causes genes to switch ‘on’ or ‘off’ the activity of enzymes that regulate the activity of the cell.
what is a gland?
A gland is one or more cells that make and secrete a particular product.
where are glands located?
Glands are located throughout various parts of the human body.
Usually glandular secretions contain…
… proteins