Endocrine System Overview for TEAS Exam

Oct 10, 2024

Endocrine System Review for ATI-TEAS Exam

Key Concepts

  • Homeostasis: Maintained through negative feedback.
  • Hormones: Chemical messengers used by the endocrine system; slower but long-lasting effects compared to nervous system.
  • Endocrine vs Exocrine Systems: Endocrine deposits hormones directly into the blood, exocrine uses ducts.
  • Receptors: Hormones bind to specific receptors, similar to a lock and key mechanism.

Important Glands and Organs

Brain

  • Hypothalamus: Control center; links nervous and endocrine systems.
  • Pituitary Gland: Consists of anterior and posterior lobes.
    • Anterior Pituitary: Receives hormones via blood from hypothalamus.
    • Posterior Pituitary: Connects via nerves.

Other Glands

  • Thyroid: Around trachea; secretes T3, T4, and calcitonin.
  • Parathyroid: Small glands on back of thyroid.
  • Thymus: Between sternum and heart; shrinks after puberty.
  • Pancreas: Behind stomach; releases insulin and glucagon.
  • Kidneys: Includes adrenal glands with cortex and medulla.
  • Liver, Gastrointestinal System, Adipose Tissue: Involved in various hormonal functions.
  • Gonads: Ovaries in females, testes in males.

Hormones and Pathways

Hypothalamus Hormones

  • Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH): Stimulates TSH release from pituitary.
  • Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH): Stimulates ACTH release.
  • Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH): Stimulates growth hormone release.
  • Prolactin Releasing Hormone (PRH): Stimulates prolactin release.
  • Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH): Stimulates FSH and LH release.

Pituitary Hormones

  • Anterior Pituitary:
    • TSH: Stimulates thyroid to produce T3, T4, calcitonin.
    • ACTH: Influences adrenal cortex (cortisol, aldosterone) and medulla (epinephrine, norepinephrine).
    • Growth Hormone: Stimulates growth, maintains bone and muscle mass.
    • Prolactin: Stimulates milk production.
    • FSH and LH: Involved in reproduction and gonadal functions.
  • Posterior Pituitary:
    • Oxytocin: Causes milk ejection and uterine contractions.
    • Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Promotes water retention, increases blood volume and pressure.

Other Hormones

  • Pineal Gland: Melatonin, regulates sleep.
  • Thymus: Thymosin, stimulates T-cell production.
  • Heart: Natriuretic peptides, decrease blood pressure.
  • Digestive Tract: Gastrin, secretin, CCK.
  • Pancreas: Insulin (decreases blood sugar), glucagon (increases blood sugar).
  • Adipose Tissue: Leptin, suppresses appetite.
  • Kidneys: Renin (raises blood pressure), erythropoietin (stimulates RBC production), calcitriol (increases intestinal calcium absorption).

Summary

  • Reviewed all major glands, hormones, and their roles.
  • Prepared for the endocrine portion of the ATI-TEAS exam.
  • Understanding pathways and interactions critical for exam success.

Remember to focus on the relationships between hormones and their respective glands/functions for a deeper understanding of the endocrine system!