Q1: Define hormones and describe their general characteristics
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands
They are transported through the bloodstream to reach their target organs
Hormones regulate various physiological functions such as growth, development, and metabolism
They are produced in small amounts but have significant effects on the body
Hormones can be classified based on their chemical nature into peptides, steroids, and amino acid derivatives
Q2: Classify hormones based on their chemical nature and explain their basic features
Peptide hormones are composed of short chains of amino acids
Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and can diffuse through cell membranes
Amino acid derivatives are hormones that are synthesized from amino acids
Each type of hormone has unique characteristics and functions
Q3: Explain how the hypothalamus regulates hormone secretion and describe its homeostatic control mechanism
The hypothalamus is a region of the brain that controls hormone secretion
It produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that regulate the secretion of other hormones
The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis by monitoring the levels of various hormones and adjusting their secretion accordingly
It uses a negative feedback mechanism to control hormone secretion
Q4: Discuss the physiological anatomy of the pituitary gland and explain the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones
The pituitary gland is a small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain
The anterior pituitary gland secretes several hormones, including growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone
These hormones are secreted in response to releasing hormones from the hypothalamus
The anterior pituitary gland plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions
Q5: Explain the secretion, functions, factors affecting, and effects of altered secretion of growth hormone
Growth hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland
It regulates growth and development, particularly during childhood and adolescence
Factors such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition can affect growth hormone secretion
Altered secretion of growth hormone can lead to disorders such as gigantism or dwarfism
Q6: Discuss the actions, functions, and regulation of prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland
It regulates lactation and breast development during pregnancy
Prolactin secretion is regulated by the hypothalamus and is influenced by factors such as sleep and stress
Elevated prolactin levels can lead to disorders such as galactorrhea
Q7: Describe the secretion of posterior pituitary hormones and explain the functions of ADH and oxytocin
The posterior pituitary gland secretes antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin
ADH regulates water balance and blood pressure
Oxytocin regulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk letdown during lactation
Both hormones are essential for maintaining homeostasis and regulating various physiological functions
Q8: Describe pituitary insufficiency and its effects on the body
Pituitary insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce sufficient hormones
It can lead to disorders such as hypopituitarism, which can affect growth, development, and metabolism
Pituitary insufficiency can be caused by various factors, including tumors, trauma, and infections
Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy
Q9: Discuss the physiological anatomy of the thyroid gland and explain the formation, secretion, transport, metabolism, regulation, and actions of thyroid hormones along with their altered effects
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the neck
It secretes thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, growth, and development
Altered thyroid hormone levels can lead to disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
Q10: Discuss calcium and phosphate metabolism and explain the actions of parathormone and calcitonin, including their role in calcium homeostasis and effects of altered secretion
Calcium and phosphate are essential minerals that play critical roles in various physiological functions
Parathormone and calcitonin are hormones that regulate calcium and phosphate metabolism
Parathormone increases calcium levels, while calcitonin decreases calcium levels
Altered secretion of these hormones can lead to disorders such as osteoporosis or hyperparathyroidism
Q11: Explain the physiological anatomy of the adrenal cortex and describe the formation, secretion, functions, and altered effects of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex hormones
The adrenal cortex is the outer layer of the adrenal gland
It secretes glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex hormones
Glucocorticoids regulate metabolism and immune responses
Mineralocorticoids regulate electrolyte balance and blood pressure
Sex hormones regulate reproductive functions
Q12: Discuss the physiological anatomy of the adrenal medulla
The adrenal medulla is the inner layer of the adrenal gland
It secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are catecholamines
These hormones regulate the body's response to stress and excitement
They increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy metabolism
Q13: Explain the physiological anatomy of the pancreas and describe the action, regulation, and altered effects of insulin and glucagon
The pancreas is an endocrine gland located in the abdomen
It secretes insulin and glucagon, which regulate glucose metabolism