Hormones, Endocrine System & Homeostasis

LOs
Describe hormones and endocrine system in human List several examples of hormones and their functions Explain the concept of homeostasis

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical signals that are secreted into the circulatory system and communicate regulatory messages within the body Hormones reach all parts of the body, but only target cells have receptors for that hormone

How do cells communicate?

Two systems coordinate communication throughout the body: the endocrine system and the nervous system The endocrine system secretes hormones that coordinate slower but longer-acting responses including reproduction, development, energy metabolism, growth, and behavior
The nervous system conveys high-speed electrical signals along specialized cells called neurons; these signals regulate other cells

Endocrine Signaling
Hormones secreted into extracellular fluids by endocrine cells reach their targets via the bloodstream Endocrine signaling maintains homeostasis, mediates responses to stimuli, regulates growth and development

Endocrine Tissues and Organs

In some tissues, endocrine cells are grouped together in ductless organs called endocrine glands Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into surrounding fluid These contrast with exocrine glands, which have ducts and which secrete substances onto body surfaces or into cavities

Major endocrine glands:

Hypothalamus Pineal gland

Pituitary gland
Thyroid gland Parathyroid glands (behind thyroid) Adrenal glands (atop kidneys) Pancreas Ovaries (female) Testes (male)

Organs containing endocrine cells: Thymus Heart Liver Stomach

Kidneys
Small intestine

Hormone Actions
Affects parts distant from gland May affect numerous parts of the body Effects take longer than nervous system Effects may be long lasting

Types of Hormonal Control

Regulation Response Reproduction Growth & development

Hormone Activity
Affect only target cells Hormone must bind to a receptor Receptor activates chain of events

Classes of Hormones
Peptide hormones (most common) Steroid hormones (gonads & adrenal cortex)

Feedback Regulation
A negative feedback loop inhibits a response by reducing the initial stimulus, thus preventing excessive pathway activity Positive feedback reinforces a stimulus to produce an even greater response For example, in mammals oxytocin causes the release of milk, causing greater suckling by offspring, which stimulates the release of more oxytocin

Hormone Regulation Feedback Loops

Growth Hormone
Controls normal growth Hypersecretion Gigantism
Acromegaly Bones of hands & face thicken

Growth Hormone
Acromegaly Bones of hands & face thicken

Pineal Gland
Embedded within brain Produces melatonin Increase in secretion at night Helps set circadian rhythms
physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organisms environment can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature and other important bodily functions

Thyroid Gland
Below level of voice box
Hormones that regulate metabolism Most body cells have receptors

Negative feedback loop regulates release

Thyroid Disorders
Graves disease Hyperthyroidism Rapid heart rate Nervousness Protrusion of eyes

Thyroid Disorders
Goiter Hypothyroidism Slow growth Caused by insufficient iodine in diet Thyroid enlarges

Pancreas
Endocrine portion in islets of Langerhans Hormones that regulate levels of glucose

Diabetes
High levels of glucose in blood Lack of insulin Inability of tissue to respond to insulin
Two types Type I = insulin dependent Pancreas does not produce enough insulin Type II Often occurs later in life

Gonadal Sex Hormones

The gonads, testes and ovaries, produce most of the sex hormones: androgens, estrogens, and progestins All three sex hormones are found in both males and females, but in significantly different proportions

Sex hormones
The testes primarily synthesize androgens, mainly testosterone, which stimulate development and maintenance of the male reproductive system
Testosterone causes an increase in muscle and bone mass and is often taken as a supplement to cause muscle growth, which carries health risks

Sex hormones
Estrogens are responsible for maintenance of the female reproductive system and the development of female secondary sex characteristics
In mammals progesterone are primarily involved in preparing and maintaining the uterus Synthesis of the sex hormones is controlled by FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary

Effects of anabolic steroid

Homeostasis

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Animals regulate their internal environment

Homeostasis is an internal steady state

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External environment

Internal environment
Homeostatic mechanisms Large fluctuations

Small fluctuations

Animals regulate their internal environment

Humans promote homeostasis by

Adding clothing when we are cold Drinking water when we are dehydrated Eating when our calories are running low Urinating when our bladders are full

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Homeostasis depends on negative feedback

Negative feedback mechanisms permit only small fluctuations around set points

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Sweat glands secrete sweat that evaporates, cooling body

Thermostat in brain activates cooling mechanisms

Blood vessels in skin dilate and heat escapes

Temperature decreases

Thermostat shuts off cooling mechanisms

Temperature rises above normal

Homeostasis: Internal body temperature of approximately 3638C

Temperature increases

Thermostat shuts off warming mechanisms

Temperature falls below normal

Blood vessels in skin constrict, minimizing heat loss

Skeletal muscles rapidly contract, causing shivering, which generates heat Thermostat in brain activates warming mechanisms