Major Endocrine Glands and Core Hormones - Anatomy and Physiology
- Which glands secrete the main hormone that raises blood calcium?
- The parathyroid glands, which secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH).
- Which hormones does the adrenal medulla secrete?
- Epinephrine and norepinephrine, mostly epinephrine, released in response to sympathetic stimulation.
- Which zone of the adrenal cortex secretes most of the body's cortisol?
- The zona fasciculata, the middle zone of the adrenal cortex.
- A patient has hyperthyroidism caused by antibodies that stimulate the TSH receptor. What is the disorder?
- Graves disease. The antibodies mimic TSH, so the thyroid oversecretes T3 and T4.
- Which gland secretes melatonin?
- The pineal gland. Melatonin secretion rises in darkness and helps regulate circadian rhythms.
- Which zone of the adrenal cortex secretes aldosterone?
- The zona glomerulosa, the outermost zone of the adrenal cortex.
- Which hormones do the follicular cells of the thyroid gland secrete?
- Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which raise basal metabolic rate.
- Which pancreatic islet cells secrete insulin?
- Beta cells. Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake and storage.
- Which hormone do the kidneys secrete in response to low blood oxygen?
- Erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates red blood cell production in the red bone marrow.
- Which hormone do the atria of the heart secrete when stretched by high blood volume?
- Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which promotes sodium and water excretion and lowers blood pressure.
- Which thyroid cells secrete calcitonin, and what does it do?
- Parafollicular (C) cells. Calcitonin lowers blood calcium, mainly by inhibiting osteoclasts.
- Which pancreatic islet cells secrete glucagon?
- Alpha cells. Glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver.