16. The Endocrine System

Decreased blood calcium level would result in increased:

(a) Secretion of calcitonin

(b) Secretion of PTH

(c) Elimination of calcium by the kidneys

(d) Osteoclast activity

(e) Excitability of neural membranes

What effects does parathyroid hormone have on blood calcium level?

Mary Morgan has just been brought into the emergency room of City General Hospital. She is perspiring profusely and is breathing rapidly and irregularly. Her breath smells like acetone (sweet and fruity), and her blood glucose tests out at 650 mg/100 ml of blood. She is in acidosis. Which hormone drug should be administered, and why?

Roger Proulx has severe arthritis and has been taking prednisone (a glucocorticoid) for two months. He isn't feeling well, complains of repeated 'colds,' and is extremely 'puffy' (edematous). Explain the reason for these symptoms.

Melissa, age 40, comes to the clinic, troubled by swelling in her face and unusual fat deposition on her back and abdomen. She reports that she bruises easily. Blood tests show an elevated glucose level. What is your diagnosis, and which glands might be causing the problem?

If there is adequate carbohydrate intake, secretion of insulin results in:

a. Lower blood glucose levels

b. Increased cell utilization of glucose

c. Storage of glycogen

d. All of these

Endemic goiter is not really the result of a malfunctioning thyroid gland. What does cause it?

More than one choice may apply.

Hormones that act to decrease the blood glucose level include

a. Insulin

b. Glucagon

c. Epinephrine

d. Growth hormone

Describe the body location of each of the following endocrine organs: anterior pituitary, pineal gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands.

List the hormones produced by each organ.

What four cell populations make up the endocrine pancreas? Which hormone does each type of cell produce?

Name two endocrine-producing glands (or regions) that are important in the stress response, and explain why they are important.