Endocrine Learning Objectives

BI-274, Dr. C. S. Tritt

Be able to explain what hormones are.

Be able to explain the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands and give an example of each.

Be able to describe three key differences between the effects of nervous and endocrine systems.

Be able to name and describe the general function of any 6 endocrine glands.

Be able to sketch the anatomy of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and label its key elements (hypothalamus, stalk, anterior lobe, posterior lobe).

Be able to sketch or describe the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system and explain its importance.

Be able to name and describe the general function of 4 anterior pituitary hormones.

Be able to name and describe the general function of 2 posterior pituitary hormones.

Be able to describe the key aspects (neural & chemical, anterior & posterior) of the control of pituitary secretions (your answer should address the general concept of releasing and inhibiting hormones).

Be able to name and describe 4 medical disorders related to pituitary dysfunction.

Be able to briefly describe the structure and function of the pineal gland.

Be able to briefly describe the structure and function of the thymus.

Be able to state what is formed and stored in the thyroid follicles.

Be able to list four effects of increased thyroid hormone concentration.

Be able to state what hormone is produced by the parathyroid gland.

Be able name the physiological parameter that is regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Be able to name and describe the effect of the main hormone released by the adrenal medulla.

Be able to name three general classes of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.

Be able to name a mineralocorticoid and describe the main physiologic parameter it regulates.

Be able to name a glucocorioid and list its major effects.

Be able to name two steroidal sex hormones.

Be able to name two important pancreatic islet hormones.

Be able to name the physiological parameter regulated by insulin.

Be able to describe a specific way in which insulin produces its effect.

Be able to name the physiological parameter regulated by glucagon.

Be able to contrast the effects of insulin and glucagon.

Be able to describe the major signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

Be able to describe the physiological derangement that results in diabetes mellitus.

Be able to describe the major similarities and difference between Type I and Type II diabetes mellitus.

Be able to describe the acute pathology of diabetes mellitus.

Be able to describe the chronic pathology of diabetes mellitus.

Be able to explain the major differences between diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus.

Be able to describe the cause and symptoms of insulin shock.

Note to Students: the hormones of the ovaries, testis and placenta will be covered in detail in the section on reproduction, atrial natiuretic factor (ANF) produced by the heart and angiotensinogen produced by the liver will be covered in the section on control of renal function and the hormones produced by the stomach and small intestines will be covered in the section on digestion.

Be able to name and describe the function of two hormones produced by the kidneys.

Be able the name and briefly describe the three general chemical classes of hormones.

Be able to explain what is meant by the term bound hormone.

Be able to explain the fundamental way in which thyroid hormone and steroids differ from peptide hormones and monoamines in the way they exert their effects on cells.

Be able to name and describe two important features exhibited by hormone receptors.

Be able to name the chemical substrate from which steroid hormones are formed.

Be able to describe the general mechanism by which steroidal hormones exert their effects within cells.

Be able to name a peptide hormone.

Know what is meant, in general, by the term second messenger.

Be able to name three types (locations) of receptors to which thyroid hormone binds.

Be able to explain the major differences between neurotransmitters, hormones and paracrine secretions.

Be able to name and describe the general effects of five eicosanoids (in this case, PGE's and PGF's count as separate eicosanoids).