Objectives 1. To understand the function of the endocrine system 2. To learn about the major endocrine glands, the hormones they produce, and the effects they initiate 3. To familiarize the student with histological identification of various endocrine glands Background The endocrine system consists of cells and tissues that secrete chemical messengers, called hormones, into the blood. The hormones are transported in the blood, via the circulatory system, to target cells.
Once the hormone reaches the target cells and binds to a specific receptor, either on the cell membrane or within the cell cytoplasm or nucleus, it can initiate a response that will facilitate homeostasis in the body. Questions 1. What are some of the major endocrine glands? 2. List the three major categories of hormones. Identify specific hormones within each category. Procedure Using the microscope, examine the indicated endocrine glands. Draw a picture, identify any indicated structures within the gland, and answer the questions in each section.
Total Magnification 1. Identify a pancreatic islet. 2. What major hormone is secreted by the alpha cells? Beta cells? What are the primary effects of each hormone? 3. Describe a pathophysiological condition associated with the pancreas (describe condition, symptoms and treatment).
ADRENAL GLAND __________ Total Magnification 1. Identify the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. 2. What major hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex? Adrenal medulla? What are the primary effects of each hormone?
The Essay on Endocrine Gland and Adrenaline
Adrenaline is a hormone that is produced in the adrenal medulla, which is in the inner adrenal gland. This gland sits atop the kidney. When put under stress this gland is stimulated by the nervous system and releases adrenaline into the blood stream. The release of adrenaline is a three step process. First, the hypothalamus produces hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland. Next, the pituitary ...
Describe a pathophysiological condition associated with the adrenal glands (describe condition, symptoms and treatment).
THYROID __________ Total Magnification 1. Identify the follicles, the follicular cells, and the colloid. 2. What major hormones are secreted by the thyroid? What are the primary effects of each hormone? 3. Describe a pathophysiological condition associated with the thyroid (describe condition, symptoms, and treatment).
PITUITARY GLAND __________ Total Magnification 1.
Identify the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary (Hint: the anterior pituitary staining is darker than the staining of the posterior pituitary).
2. What major hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary? Posterior pituitary? What are the primary effects of each hormone? 3. Describe a pathophysiological condition associated with the pituitary (describe condition, symptoms, and treatment).
Review Questions 1. Identify whether peptide/protein hormones are water soluble or lipophilic. How are they transported in the blood?
Where on the cell are the receptors for these hormones located? 2. Identify whether steroid hormones are water soluble or lipophilic. How are they transported in the blood? Where on the cell are the receptors for these hormones located? 3. Distinguish between the mechanism by which peptide/protein hormones exhibit their effects on the target cell and the mechanism by which steroid hormones exhibit their effects on the target cell? 4. Choose a hormone and diagram a negative feedback loop that illustrates how the hormone helps the body to maintain homeostasis.
