endocrine system
- Created by: GeorgiaJackson
- Created on: 24-10-14 17:30
define the following key terms
Hormones Molecules that are released in the endocrine glands directly into the blood. They act as messengers carrying a signal from the endocrine gland to a specific target organ or tissue.
Endocrine gland A gland that secretes hormones directly into the blood. They have no ducts
Exocrine gland A gland that secretes molecules into a duct that carries the molecules to where they are used
how must the signal be targeted?
The cell receiving the hormone must have a specific complementary receptor on their plasma membrane where the hormone can bind. The cells that have these specific receptors are called target cells and are grouped as a target tissue
what are the 2 types of hormones involved?
protein and peptide hormones and derivatives of amino acids- not soluble
steroid hormones- can pass through the membrane
describe and explain the action of adrenaline
Adrenaline is an amino acid derivative and it is unable to enter the target cell, therefore it may cause an effect inside the cell without being in the cell itself,
Adrenaline receptor is complementary to the shape of adrenaline and it is associated with an enzyme on the inner surface of the cell membrane called adenyl cyclase
Adrenaline binds to the specific receptor on the cell membrane, the adrenaline molecule is called the first messenger
It then activates the enzyme adenyl cyclase and converts ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP). This is the second messenger.
what is the function of the adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands are found just above the kidneys. Each can be divided into the medulla and cortex region
medulla Found in the centre of the gland the cells release adrenaline in response to stress or shock It can effect us in the following way relax smooth muscles in bronchioles increase stroke volume of heart increase heart rate dilate pupils cause hair on body to erect
what is the function of the adrenal glands?
cortex
It uses cholesterol to produce certain hormones which have a variety of roles:
mineralocortocoids help control concentration of potassium and sodium in the blood
the glucocortides help to control the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins in the liver
what is the pancreas?
A small organ lying below the stomach and it has endocrine and exocrine functions
describe the pancreas excretion of cells
The exocrine function of the pancreas is to manufacture and release digestive enzymes. The pancreatic duct carries the fluid containing the enzymes into the first part of the small intestine.
It contains the following enzymes:
amylase
trypsinogen
lipase
It also contains sodium hyrogencarbonate which makes it an alkaline and helps to neutralise the contents of the digestive system.
describe the secretion of hormones in the pancreas
The islets of Langherns in the pancreas contain the following types of cells. Alpha cells that manufacture and secrete the hormone glycogen. Beta cells that manufacture and secrete the hormone insulin. The islets are well supplied with blood capillaries meaning the hormones are directly secreted into the blood. This is the endocrine function.
describe the control of blood glucose
The concentration of blood glucose is carefully regulated. The cells in the islets of Langerhans monitor the concentration of glucose in the blood. The normal concentration is 90mg 100cm-3. If the concentration rises or falls then alpha and beta cells detect the stimulus and release a hormone.
What happens if glucose is to high
Beta cells detect a high blood glucose, in response to this they secrete insulin.
The target cells are: liver cells ,muscle cells and body cells in the brain and they all posses the specific membrane bound receptor for insulin
When the insulin binds this activates adenyl cyclase in which coverts ATP to cAMP. This activates a series of enzyme controlled reactions in the cell:
- more glucose channels are placed into the cell surface membrane
- more glucose enters the cell
- glucose is converted into glycogen
- more glucose is converted to fats
- more glucose is used in respiration
The increased entry of glucose through the specific channels reduces the blood glucose concentration.
what happens if glucose is to low
A low blood glucose concentration is detected by alpha cells, in response they secrete the hormone glucagon and it's target cell is hepatocytes (liver cells) which posses the specific receptor for glucagon.
The effects include:
- conversion of glycogen to glucose
- use of more fatty acids in respiration
- the production of glucose by conversion from amino acids and fats
The overall effect of these changes is to increase the blood glucose concentration.
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