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Ch. 18 The Endocrine System
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 12th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 18 The Endocrine SystemProblem 7
Chapter 18, Problem 7

A cell's hormonal sensitivities are determined by the:
(a) Chemical nature of the hormone
(b) Quantity of circulating hormone
(c) Shape of the hormone molecules
(d) Presence or absence of appropriate receptors
(e) Thickness of its plasma membrane

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that a cell's hormonal sensitivity depends on its ability to recognize and respond to specific hormones.
Recall that hormones exert their effects by binding to specific receptors either on the cell surface or inside the cell.
Recognize that the presence or absence of these appropriate receptors determines whether a hormone can influence the cell.
Note that while the chemical nature, quantity, and shape of the hormone are important for hormone function, the cell's sensitivity specifically depends on receptor availability.
Conclude that the correct factor determining a cell's hormonal sensitivity is the presence or absence of appropriate receptors.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hormone-Receptor Specificity

Cells respond to hormones based on the presence of specific receptors that recognize and bind to particular hormone molecules. This receptor-hormone interaction is crucial because only cells with the appropriate receptors can detect and respond to a given hormone, determining the cell's hormonal sensitivity.
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Chemical Nature and Shape of Hormones

Hormones vary chemically (e.g., steroids, peptides) and structurally, which affects how they interact with receptors. The shape and chemical properties of a hormone must complement the receptor's binding site, ensuring a precise fit that triggers the correct cellular response.
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Hormone Concentration and Cellular Response

The quantity of circulating hormone influences the strength of the cellular response. Higher hormone levels can increase receptor activation, but sensitivity also depends on receptor availability and affinity, making hormone concentration a key factor in hormonal signaling.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

What effects does parathyroid hormone have on blood calcium level?

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Textbook Question

FSH production in males supports:

(a) The maturation of sperm by stimulating nurse cells

(b) The development of muscles and strength

(c) The production of male sex hormones

(d) An increased desire for sexual activity

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Textbook Question

What six hormones primarily affect growth?

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Textbook Question

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the release of:

(a) Thyroid hormones by the hypothalamus

(b) Gonadotropins by the adrenal glands

(c) Growth hormones by the hypothalamus

(d) Steroid hormones by the adrenal glands

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Textbook Question

All of the following are true of the endocrine system, except that it:

(a) Releases chemicals into the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body

(b) Releases hormones that simultaneously alter the metabolic activities of many different tissues and organs

(c) Produces effects that can last for hours, days, and even longer

(d) Produces rapid, local, brief-duration responses to specific stimuli

(e) Functions to control ongoing metabolic processes.

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Textbook Question

Identify the endocrine glands and tissues in the following diagram.

a. ___

b. ___

c. ___

d. ___

e. ___

f. ___

g. ___

h. ___

i. ___

j. ___

k. ___

l. ___

m. ___

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