Endocrine Objectives

Endocrine Objectives.Module Four: Endocrine Disorders Successful completion of this module includes reading chapters 21 and 22 of the Pathophysiology textbook. After reading and comprehending the chapters use the following learning objectives to guide your preparation for the exam. Chapter 21 Mechanism of Hormone Regulation 1. Describe the five general functions of the endocrine system. a. Differentiation of the reproductive & central nervous systems in the developing fetus b. Stimulation of sequential growth & development during childhood & adolescence c. Coordination of the male & female reproductive systems, which makes sexual reproduction pos- sible d. Maintenance of an optimal internal environment throughout the life span (homeostasis) e. Initiation of corrective & adaptive responses when emergency demands occur (stress & injury response) 2. Define the term hormone and the three major methods of communication (ie., autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling). a. Hormone: convey specific regulatory information among cells & organs to maintain communica- tion & control (chemical messengers) i. Within a cell = autocrine ii. Between local cells = paracrine iii. Between cells located remotely from each other = endocrine 3. List the 4 general characteristics of hormones. a. Hormones have specific rates & rhythms of secretion i. Circadian or diurnal patterns ii. Pulsatile & cyclic patterns iii. Patterns that depend on levels of circulating substrates (i.e. Ca, Na, K, or other hormones) b. Hormones operate within feedback systems, either positive or negative, to maintain an optimal internal environment c. Hormones affect only cells with appropriate receptors & then act on those cells to initiate spe- cific cell functions or activities d. Steroid hormones are either excreted directly by the kidneys conjugated by the liver; peptide hormones are catabolized by circulating enzymes & eliminated