Textbook Question
The posterior pituitary is not really an endocrine gland. Why not? What is it?
1
views
Ch. 16 The Endocrine System
Marieb, Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation24
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive25
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units24
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric19
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System10
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue23
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System26
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity28
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System18
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System26
- Ch. 17 Blood27
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart22
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues16
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses29
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System20
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System30
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System25
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System23
Marieb, Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 15, Problem 18
Endemic goiter is not really the result of a malfunctioning thyroid gland. What does cause it?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that endemic goiter is primarily caused by an environmental factor rather than an intrinsic thyroid gland malfunction.
Recognize that the thyroid gland requires iodine to synthesize thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism and growth.
Identify that endemic goiter occurs in regions where there is a deficiency of iodine in the diet, often due to low iodine content in the soil and water.
Explain that iodine deficiency leads to decreased production of thyroid hormones, which triggers the pituitary gland to release more thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Understand that elevated TSH causes the thyroid gland to enlarge in an attempt to capture more iodine, resulting in the characteristic swelling known as a goiter.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
4mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Iodine Deficiency
Endemic goiter primarily results from insufficient iodine intake in the diet. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, and its deficiency leads to inadequate hormone synthesis, causing the thyroid gland to enlarge in an attempt to capture more iodine.
Recommended video:
Guided course
13:06
Review of Major Hormones
Thyroid Gland Function and Hormone Production
The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism. When iodine is lacking, hormone production drops, triggering the pituitary gland to release more TSH, stimulating thyroid growth and leading to goiter.
Recommended video:
Guided course
13:06Review of Major Hormones
Endemic Goiter and Environmental Factors
Endemic goiter occurs in regions where the soil and water have low iodine levels, affecting the local food supply. This environmental deficiency causes widespread thyroid enlargement in the population, distinguishing it from goiters caused by intrinsic thyroid diseases.
Recommended video:
03:48Environmental Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
Related Practice
Textbook Question
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.
4
views
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.
1
views
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?
1
views
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?
1
views
Textbook Question
Name two endocrine glands (or regions) that are important in the stress response, and explain why they are important.
1
views