Kirston Pancham
11/3/2024
BIO 226
Gross Anatomy and Basic Function of the Endocrine Glands
1.The endocrine and nervous systems are major regulating systems of the body. However, the
nervous system has been compared to a text message and the endocrine system to mailing a
letter.
Briefly explain this comparison. The nervous system is like a text message because it sends
signals quickly for immediate responses, while the endocrine system is like mailing a letter, as it
releases hormones that take longer to reach their targets but have longer-lasting effects.
2. Define hormone: A hormone is a chemical messenger produced by glands in the
endocrine system that travels through the bloodstream to target organs or tissues, where it
regulates various physiological processes such as growth, metabolism, and mood.
3. Chemically, hormones belong chiefly to two molecular groups, the peptide hormones and the
steroid hormones.
4.Identify the endocrine organ described by the following statements:
1. located in the anterior neck; bilobed gland connected by an isthmus
2. produces the hormones that are stored in the posterior pituitary
3. a mixed gland, located posterior to the stomach and close to the small intestine
4. paired glands suspended in the scrotum
5. bilobed gland located in the sella turcica
6. found in the pelvic cavity of the female, responsible for ova and female hormone
production
7. found in the upper thorax overlying the heart; large during youth
8. found in the roof of the third ventricle of the brain
1. Thyroid gland
2. Hypothalamus
3. Pancreas
4. Testes
5. Pituitary gland
6. Ovaries
7. Thymus
8. Pineal gland
5. Although the pituitary gland is sometimes referred to as the “master gland” of the body, the
hypothalamus exerts some control over the pituitary gland. How does the hypothalamus control
functioning of both the anterior and the posterior pituitary?
The hypothalamus controls the functioning of the anterior pituitary by releasing specific
hormones known as releasing and inhibiting hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones
travel to the anterior pituitary and stimulate or inhibit the secretion of various anterior pituitary
hormones.
For the posterior pituitary, the hypothalamus produces hormones like oxytocin and antidiuretic
hormone (ADH), which are transported down nerve fibers to the posterior pituitary, where they
are stored and released into the bloodstream when needed. This direct connection allows the
hypothalamus to regulate both parts of the pituitary gland effectively.
6. For each statement describing hormonal effects, identify the hormone(s) involved by choosing
a number from key A, and note the hormone’s site of production with a letter from key B.
Key A
ACTH
ADH
aldosterone
epinephrine
estrogens
FSH
glucagon
GH
insulin
LH
melatonin
oxytocin
progesterone
prolactin
PTH
testosterone
thymosin
T4 / T3
TSH
Key B
adrenal cortex
adrenal medulla
anterior pituitary
hypothalamus
ovaries
pancreas
parathyroid glands
pineal gland
testes
thymus gland
thyroid gland
1. T4 / T3, thyroid gland
2. thymosin, thymus gland
3. PTH, parathyroid glands
4. ACTH, anterior pituitary
5. testosterone, testes and estrogens, ovaries
6. TSH, anterior pituitary; ACTH, anterior pituitary; FSH, anterior pituitary; and LH, anterior
pituitary
7. epinephrine, adrenal medulla
8. insulin, pancreas and glucagon, pancreas
9. estrogens, ovaries and progesterone, ovaries
10. ADH, hypothalamus and aldosterone, adrenal cortex
11. oxytocin, hypothalamus
7. 1. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
2. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
3. Insulin
4. Growth hormone (GH)
5. Thyroid hormones (T4)
8. 1. Growth hormone (GH)
2. Thyroid hormones (T4)
3. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
11. What would you do to help a friend who had inadvertently taken an overdose of insulin?
Why? If a friend took an insulin overdose, I would check their blood sugar, give them
fast-acting sugar (like juice or candy), and call for medical help immediately. This is crucial to
prevent severe hypoglycemia and potential complications.
12.What is a glucose tolerance test? (Use an appropriate reference, as necessary, to answer
this question.) A glucose tolerance test (GTT) is a medical test used to assess how well the
body processes glucose. It typically involves fasting overnight, then consuming a glucose-rich
drink. Blood samples are taken at intervals to measure how quickly glucose levels return to
normal. This test helps diagnose conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance by evaluating
the body's ability to manage blood sugar levels.
In summary, the test measures the body's response to a glucose challenge and can indicate
how effectively insulin is functioning.
13. Pituitary gland tumors can secrete excess amounts of growth hormone. Describe the signs
and symptoms that these tumors cause in an adult experiencing hypersecretion of the growth
hormone. Pituitary gland tumors that secrete excess growth hormone can cause acromegaly in
adults. Symptoms include enlarged hands and feet, facial changes (like a larger jaw and nose),
joint pain, increased sweating, vision problems, sleep apnea, and hormonal imbalances.
14. Tumors of the adrenal medulla, called pheochromocytomas, cause hypersecretion of
catecholamines. Describe the expected signs and symptoms of this tumor. Pheochromocytomas
cause hypersecretion of catecholamines, leading to symptoms like high blood pressure, rapid
heart rate, sweating, anxiety, severe headaches, tremors, and facial flushing. Symptoms often
occur in episodes.
