Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
What is the general term for chemical regulators that 'stir up' or 'excite' body activities into action?
Answer
Hormones
Question
Which system provides regulation of body activities that is immediate and rapid?
Answer
Nervous system
Question
Contrast: How is information transmitted in the hormonal control system compared to the nervous system?
Answer
Hormones are transmitted chemically through blood, whereas nervous impulses are transmitted electro-chemically through nerve fibres.
Question
Which regulatory system affects specific muscles or glands locally rather than widespread organs?
Answer
Nervous system
Question
Describe the duration of effect for hormonal control compared to nervous control.
Answer
Hormonal effects are usually short-term or long-lasting, while nervous effects are only short-lived.
Question
Which of the two regulatory systems can influence growth?
Answer
Hormonal control
Question
Can the nervous system's response be modified by learning from previous experience?
Answer
Yes, it can be modified to some extent.
Question
Why are endocrine glands often referred to as 'ductless glands'?
Answer
Because they pour their secretions directly into the blood rather than through a special duct.
Question
Term: Target organ
Answer
Definition: The specific part or organ where a hormone produces its effect after being carried through the blood.
Question
What does the term 'endocrine' literally mean based on its Greek roots?
Answer
Secrete internally (endo: inside; crine: secrete).
Question
Hormones are secreted from their source directly into the _____.
Answer
Blood
Question
True or False: Hormones are produced in large quantities by the body to ensure they reach all organs.
Answer
False (they are produced in very small quantities and are biologically very active).
Question
Adrenaline is active even at a concentration of 1 part in _____ parts.
Answer
$300,000,000$
Question
What is the chemical nature of insulin?
Answer
Peptide (protein)
Question
Which category of hormones is derived from cholesterol and is lipid-soluble?
Answer
Steroids
Question
Hormones derived from amino acids, such as adrenaline, are chemically classified as _____.
Answer
Amines
Question
Are hormones typically stored in the body for long-term use?
Answer
No, they are not stored and are excreted from the system.
Question
Where are the adrenal glands located in the human body?
Answer
On top of each kidney (like caps).
Question
Name the two distinct parts of an adrenal gland.
Answer
The central medulla and the peripheral cortex.
Question
Which hormone is secreted by the adrenal medulla to prepare the body for 'fight' or 'flight'?
Answer
Adrenaline (epinephrine)
Question
How does adrenaline affect the heart rate?
Answer
It causes the heart to beat faster.
Question
What is the effect of adrenaline on the arterioles of the digestive system?
Answer
It constricts them, allowing more blood to reach the muscles.
Question
How does adrenaline influence the liver regarding blood sugar?
Answer
It stimulates the conversion of glycogen to glucose.
Question
The biological advantage of adrenaline constricting skin arterioles is to make more blood available to the _____.
Answer
Muscles
Question
What is the effect of adrenaline on the pupils of the eye?
Answer
It dilates the pupils.
Question
Which part of the adrenal gland secretes the hormone cortisone?
Answer
Adrenal cortex
Question
What is the primary function of mineralocorticoids secreted by the adrenal cortex?
Answer
They regulate mineral metabolism, especially $Na^+$ and $K^+$ ions.
Question
Which group of cortical hormones regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism?
Answer
Glucocorticoids
Question
The overgrowth of the adrenal cortex in young children leads to _____.
Answer
Premature sexual maturity
Question
What condition is characterised by a mature woman developing male characteristics like a beard and deep voice due to cortical overgrowth?
Answer
Adrenal virilism
Question
Hyposecretion of cortisone from the adrenal cortex results in which disease?
Answer
Addison's disease
Question
Name the syndrome caused by hypersecretion of cortisone, characterised by obesity and high blood sugar.
Answer
Cushing's syndrome
Question
Why is the pancreas classified as both an exocrine and an endocrine gland?
Answer
It secretes pancreatic juice through a duct (exocrine) and hormones directly into the blood (endocrine).
Question
What is the name of the special groups of hormone-secreting cells in the pancreas?
Answer
Islets of Langerhans
Question
Which specific pancreatic cells secrete insulin?
Answer
Beta cells
Question
Which pancreatic hormone is secreted by alpha cells?
Answer
Glucagon
Question
What is the primary role of insulin regarding blood glucose?
Answer
It lowers the blood sugar level by promoting glucose utilisation and glycogen deposition.
Question
Which pancreatic hormone inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon?
Answer
Somatostatin
Question
Insufficient secretion of insulin causes which common metabolic disease?
Answer
Diabetes mellitus (hyperglycaemia)
Question
What does the term 'mellitus' mean in the context of diabetes?
Answer
Honey (referring to the passage of sugar in urine).
Question
What term describes the state of low blood sugar caused by an overdose of insulin?
Answer
Hypoglycaemia (or insulin shock)
Question
How does glucagon raise blood sugar levels?
Answer
By stimulating the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver.
Question
Where is the thyroid gland located?
Answer
In the front part of the neck, just below the larynx.
Question
Which mineral is essential for the synthesis of thyroxine?
Answer
Iodine
Question
What is the primary function of thyroxine?
Answer
It regulates the basal metabolism of the body.
Question
Which condition is caused by a deficiency of iodine, resulting in an enlargement of the thyroid gland?
Answer
Simple goitre
Question
Define 'Cretinism'.
Answer
A condition in children caused by hyposecretion of thyroxine, resulting in dwarfism and mental retardation.
Question
What is the name of the condition in adults caused by hyposecretion of thyroxine, resulting in sluggishness and swelling of the face?
Answer
Myxoedema
Question
Which disorder is caused by hypersecretion of thyroxine and features protruding eyeballs?
Answer
Exophthalmic goitre
Question
Why is the pituitary gland popularly called the 'master gland'?
Answer
Because it seems to control practically all other endocrine glands.
Question
Where is the pituitary gland located?
Answer
Hanging from the base of the mid-brain below the hypothalamus.
Question
Which hormone from the anterior pituitary is essential for normal skeletal growth?
Answer
Growth hormone (GH) or Somatotropin
Question
What is the result of GH hyposecretion during childhood?
Answer
Dwarfism
Question
GH hypersecretion in childhood leads to _____, where long bones lengthen beyond normal limits.
Answer
Gigantism
Question
What condition occurs if there is an oversecretion of GH in an adult, causing extra-thick bones in the face and hands?
Answer
Acromegaly
Question
Which pituitary hormone activates the thyroid to secrete thyroxine?
Answer
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Question
What is the function of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)?
Answer
It regulates the activity of the adrenal cortex.
Question
Define 'Tropic hormones'.
Answer
Hormones which stimulate other endocrine glands to produce their specific hormones.
Question
Which hormone stimulates the formation of Graafian follicles in females and sperm in males?
Answer
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Question
What is the role of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in females?
Answer
It stimulates ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum.