Lecture 12 - Endocrine System Flashcards
(65 cards)
What is the main function of the endocrine system
Produces and secretes hormones
Recommended reading
Vander’s Human Physiology (Chapter 11) – Widmaier E.P., Raff H. and Strang K.T., The McGraw-Hill Co. ed.
Exercise Physiology (Chapter 5) – Powers S.K. and Howley E.T., The McGraw-Hill Co. ed.
Exercise Physiology (Chapter 20) – McArdle W.D. Katch F.I. and Katch V.L., Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins ed.
Any other Human physiology or Exercise physiology textbooks. Look for the Endocrine/Neuroendocrine system.
What are the two major control and communication systems
Nervous system – rapid responses
Endocrine system – slower and more prolonged responses.
What do endocrine glands and cells do
The endocrine glands and cells release chemical substances, hormones, into the bloodstream, to target specific organs, tissues and cells, and to elicit a response.
What are the major endocrine glands
Hypothalamus
Pineal Gland
Pituitary gland
Thyroid Gland
Parathyroid gland
Adrenal gland
Pancreas
Ovaries
Testes
What are the organs that contain endocrine cells
Thymus
Heart
Liver
Stomach
Kidneys
Small intestine
Adipose Tissue
What are some glands that have both exocrine and endocrine functions
(pancreas, gastro-intestinal tract)
What are the major classes of hormones based on chemical composition
Amine hormones
Peptide and protein hormones
Steroid hormones
What is a hormones “mode of action”
How they interact with the target tissue
What are amine hormones derived from
The amino acid Tyrosine
What are some examples of amine hormones and where they are secreted from
Thyroid hormones (Thyroxine, T4 and Triiodothyronine, T3) secreted by the thyroid gland.
Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) secreted by the adrenal medulla in the adrenal gland. Also secreted by adrenergic neurons in the synaptic nerve system
What are some examples of Catecholamines
Epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine are generically called catecholamines.
What are som key features of peptide and protein hormones
They are usually synthesised as protein prohormones by the ribosomes in the endocrine cells.
Then they are packaged into secretory vesicles, the prohormones are cleaved into peptides (active hormones).
Stored inside the cells.
Secreted/Released in the bloodstream when the cells are stimulated.
What are some examples of peptide and protein hormones
insulin, glucagon, IGF1, growth hormone, leptin, GLP-1
What are steroid hormones derived from
Cholesterol
Where are steroid hormones primarily produced
Adrenal cortex and the testes/ovaries
What is an example of a steroid hormone produced in the kidneys
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
Are steroid hormones Hydrophobic or hydrophillic
Very hydrophobic
What its the effect of a hormone directly related to
Concentration of hormone in plasma
What does the concentration of the hormone on the plasma dependent on
The secretion from the endocrine gland. This will depend on the input (stimuli).
The metabolism and excretion of hormones. Major site of metabolic inactivation are the liver and the kidneys.
How they circulate in the blood – free or bound to plasma proteins; plasma volume changes and blood redistribution (during exercise).
The binding to target cells to produce a response.
What are tropic hormones
Hormones which induce the secretion of other hormones
They usually also induce the growth and development of the target gland.
What does the transport of hormones in the blood dependant on
Chemical composition and mainly their water solubiltiy
What are some traits of protein and peptide hormones
water soluble and are transported dissolved in the plasma.
Fast acting
Short half-life (minutes)
Rapidly eliminated
What are some key traits of steroid and thyroid hormones
lipid soluble (hydrophobic) and to be transported via the blood circulation have to bind to plasma transport proteins.
Slower action
Long half-life (hours to days).
Slower elimination