Textbook Question
The posterior pituitary is not really an endocrine gland. Why not? What is it?
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Ch. 16 The Endocrine System
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation24
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive25
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units21
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric20
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System11
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton14
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue19
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System26
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity32
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System19
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses26
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System23
- Ch. 17 Blood25
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart24
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues14
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses27
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System21
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System31
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System26
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System24
- Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development25
- Ch. 29 Heredity11
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 16, Problem 19
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.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid, which mimics the effects of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex involved in stress response, metabolism, and immune regulation.
Recognize that long-term use of prednisone suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to decreased endogenous cortisol production and impaired immune function, which explains the increased susceptibility to infections (repeated 'colds').
Know that glucocorticoids like prednisone have mineralocorticoid effects, causing sodium and water retention in the kidneys, which leads to edema and the 'puffy' appearance described.
Connect that the combination of immune suppression and fluid retention results in the symptoms Roger is experiencing: frequent infections due to lowered immunity and edema due to fluid accumulation.
Summarize that the symptoms are a direct consequence of prednisone's pharmacological effects: immune system suppression causing vulnerability to infections, and mineralocorticoid-like effects causing fluid retention and edema.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Glucocorticoid Effects on the Immune System
Glucocorticoids like prednisone suppress the immune response by reducing inflammation and inhibiting white blood cell activity. This immunosuppression increases susceptibility to infections, explaining why Roger experiences repeated 'colds' or infections.
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Side Effects of Long-term Glucocorticoid Use
Prolonged use of glucocorticoids can cause side effects such as fluid retention and edema, leading to a 'puffy' appearance. These drugs alter electrolyte balance and increase sodium retention, which causes swelling and weight gain.
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Mechanism of Prednisone in Treating Arthritis
Prednisone reduces inflammation by mimicking cortisol, a natural hormone that regulates immune and inflammatory responses. While effective in controlling arthritis symptoms, its systemic effects can lead to adverse outcomes like immunosuppression and edema.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
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.
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Textbook Question
Which type of hormone receptor—plasma membrane bound or intracellular—would be expected to provide the most long-lived response to hormone binding and why?
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Textbook Question
How are the hyperglycemia and lipidemia of insulin deficiency linked?
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Textbook Question
The anterior pituitary is often referred to as the master endocrine organ, but it, too, has a 'master.' What controls the release of anterior pituitary hormones?
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Textbook Question
Name two endocrine glands (or regions) that are important in the stress response, and explain why they are important.
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