BMD 252 E2 Study Guide: Human
Anatomy and Physiology II Questions and
Correct Answers/ Latest Update / Already
Graded
Endocrine system
Ans: Integrated system of small organs exerting large effects
on metabolic activity.
Hormone
Ans: Bloodborne chemical substances functioning as signaling
(messenger) molecules.
Hypothalamus's endocrine system role
Ans: Neuroendocrine organ producing and releasing hormones.
("The Boss- Controls ANS response")
Local acting hormones
Ans: Produced by several tissues (adipose, small intestine,
stomach, kidneys, heart); not 'true' hormones si nce action
occurs close to site produced.
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Autocrines
Ans: Exerts effects on same cells secreting them; receptors on
autocrine cells. Example: Prostaglandin release by smooth
muscle cells in blood vessel walls (vasoconstriction).
Paracrines
Ans: Exerts effects on nearby cells close to those secreting
them; receptors on paracrine cells. Example: Pancreatic
somatostatin inhibits release of insulin (pancreatic beta) and
glucagon (pancreatic alpha).
Exocrine glands
Ans: Sweat, salivary glands, and digestive organs; moved
through excretory ducts directly into adjoining areas where
they exert their action.
Endocrine glands
Ans: Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal; released
into local interstitial fluid, transported through bloodstream
and binds to target receptors.
Mixed glands
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Ans: Pancreas, gonads, placenta.
General characteristics of all hormones
Ans: 1. Regulate metabolic activity, 2. Exhibit lag times, 3.
Must have prolonged effects.
Amino-acid based hormones
Ans: Most are protein hormones; includes amines (short chain
peptides, long chain polypeptides).
Steroids
Ans: Cholesterol based (i.e. corticosteroids).
Eicosanoids
Ans: Biologically active lipids with local 'hormone-like' activity
released by nearly all cell membranes (i.e. leukotrienes,
prostaglandins).
Amino acid-based hormones membrane passage
Ans: Water soluble (cannot pass through cell membrane),
relays external signal to internal messenger system.
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Steroid-based hormones membrane passage
Ans: Lipid soluble (readily pass through cell membrane),
hydrophobic cholesterol base molecule enables steroid
hormones to pass through hydrophobic layer of phospholipid
bilayer.
Hormone effects on target cells
Ans: 1. Alters plasma membrane permeability (insulin), 2.
Stimulates protein synthesis (promote anabolic actions), 3.
Activates or deactivates enzyme, 4. Induces secretory activity,
5. Stimulates mitosis.
Peptide hormone activation mechanism
Ans: Binds to extracellular receptors...transduction...gen.
cAMP...activates enzyme (indirect mechanism, triggered
response).
Steroid hormone activation mechanism
Ans: Enters cell... binds to chaperone protein...complex
migrates to nucleus...internal receptor (direct mechanism,
stimulates transcription).
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