PhysiologyLesson 1 of 2 in the course The Endocrine System

Hormone Signaling, Receptor Responses, and Endocrine Regulation

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the body and regulate the activity of particular target cells. This lesson introduces hormone specificity, major endocrine glands and their hormones, and the main chemical classes of hormones.

A hormone may circulate throughout the bloodstream, but it affects only cells that have the appropriate receptor. The hormone is like a key, and its receptor is like a matching lock. When the hormone binds to its receptor, it initiates events that produce a response in the target cell.

All flashcards

Target cell
A cell that has the appropriate receptor and can respond to a particular hormone.
Amine hormone
A hormone formed by modifying a single amino acid, usually tryptophan or tyrosine.
Steroid hormone
A cholesterol-derived hormone that is hydrophobic and generally travels bound to blood transport proteins.
Endocrine disruptor
A substance that interferes with normal endocrine-system signaling.
Synergistic hormone effect
An interaction in which hormones with similar effects combine to produce an amplified response.

Quiz questions

  1. How can steroid hormones alter the activity of a target cell?Answer: They bind intracellular receptors that can activate transcription of target genes.
  2. Which enzyme converts ATP into cAMP in the cAMP signaling pathway?Answer: Adenylyl cyclase
  3. What does IP₃ do in the phospholipase C signaling pathway?Answer: It promotes calcium release from intracellular stores.
  4. How does oxytocin participate in positive feedback during childbirth?Answer: Contractions promote further oxytocin release, intensifying contractions.
  5. What triggers catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla during a perceived threat?Answer: Sympathetic nerve activity

Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in Physiology

All Physiology lessons
PhysiologyHormonal Regulation of Renal Fluid, Vascular, and Mineral Balance5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyCardiac Cycle and Heart Sounds: Valve Timing, ECG, and Auscultation5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyEndocrine Hormone Signaling and Major Gland Functions5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyEmbryonic Origins and Age-Related Changes in Endocrine Function5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyFemale Reproductive System: Anatomy, Cycles, and Lifespan Changes5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyDigestive Tract Function, Nutrient Absorption, and Energy Balance5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →