16. The Endocrine System

The Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

Open Question
Describe the events that occur during nerve impulse transmission at a typical cholinergic synapse.
Open Question
A possible side effect of a drug used to open the airways of someone suffering from an asthma attack is (a) decreased activity of the digestive system, (b) diarrhea, (c) profuse urination, (d) increased blood pressure, (e) decreased heart rate.
Open Question
Nicotine stimulates cholinergic receptors of the ANS. Based on this information, how would cigarette smoking affect the cardiovascular system?
Open Question
Phil is stung on his cheek by a wasp. Because Phil is allergic to wasp venom, his throat begins to swell and his respiratory passages constrict. Would acetylcholine or epinephrine be more helpful in relieving his condition? Why?
Open Question
While studying the activity of smooth muscle in blood vessels, Shelly discovers that, when applied to a muscle plasma membrane, a molecule chemically similar to a neurotransmitter triggers an increase in intracellular calcium ions. Which neurotransmitter is the molecule mimicking, and to which receptors is it binding?
Open Question
Which of the following hormones is/are produced by the posterior pituitary?

a. Antidiuretic hormone
b. Oxytocin
c. Both a and b
d. Neither a nor b
Open Question
Fill in the blanks: Hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones are released into the_____system and affect secretion from the_____gland.
Open Question
The thyroid gland consists of:

a. follicle cells that secrete calcitonin.
b. spherical thyroid follicles that contain iodine-containing colloid.
c. parafollicular cells that produce thyroid hormones.
d. spherical thyroid follicles that surround parathyroid hormone–secreting cells.
Open Question
Which of the following is not an effect of thyroid hormones?

a. Regulation of the metabolic rate
b. Promotion of growth and development
c. Thermoregulation
d. Synergism with the parasympathetic nervous system
Open Question
Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

c. Thyroid hormones are produced by follicle cells.
Open Question
Fill in the blanks: The outer part of the adrenal gland is the______, which secretes______. The inner part of the adrenal gland is the_____ , which secretes _______.
Open Question
Describe the components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, and explain how it regulates secretion from the adrenal gland.
Open Question
Which of the following statements about the adrenal medulla is false?

a. Secretion from the adrenal medulla is triggered by ACTH and the sympathetic nervous system.
b. The adrenal medulla consists of glandular epithelial cells.
c. The adrenal medulla is a modified postsynaptic sympathetic ganglion.
d. The products of the adrenal medulla prolong the effects of the sympathetic response.
Open Question
A patient has a brain tumor that necessitates removal of his pituitary gland. Will its removal affect production of ADH and oxytocin? Explain.
Open Question
Ms. Reczkiewicz has her thyroid gland removed to treat hyperthyroidism. Her condition is stable after surgery, but one day later she develops symptoms of severe hypocalcemia. What has happened? How would you correct this problem?