Physiology 2130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone, Adrenal Gland, Membrane Transport Protein

• School: Western University
• Department: Physiology
• Course: Physiology 2130
• Professor: Carlie Bell

Document Summary

Define endocrine gland and hormone and explain the general role of the endocrine glands: an endocrine gland is a group of specialized cells that synthesize, store and release a hormone. There are a number of glands located throughout the body: hypothalamus and pituitary gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, gonads, thyroid. The hormone is released into the blood stream and circulates throughout the body to specific target cells that have the appropriate receptor. Functions include: the maintenance of the internal enviro (temp, fluid volume, osmolality, etc. , adaptation of stress, control of growth and metabolism, control of reproduction. Steroid hormones: cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, all derived from cholesterol. They exert their specific effect by binding to receptors on the target cells and generally act by regulating preexisting reactions. Describe the chemical nature of the two types of hormones and the significance of the chemical structure to how the hormone performs its function. Hydrophilic therefore they can circulate freely in the blood.