Chemical Coordination Chapter 34

Hormones A hormone is a chemical signal that is secreted into the circulatory system and communicates regulatory messages within the body. Hormones may reach all parts of the body, but only certain types of cells, target cells, are equipped to respond.

Systems of Internal Communication Animals have two systems of internal communication and regulation: The nervous system The endocrine system

Systems of Internal Communication The nervous system conveys high-speed electrical signals along specialized cells called neurons. The endocrine system, made up of endocrine glands, secretes hormones that coordinate slower but longer-acting responses to stimuli. These 2 systems work in parallel with each other, function in maintaining homeostasis. Example The endocrine system is all about hormones and growth, The nervous system signals to the glands that there is a need for a hormone.

Hormones Advantages of using chemical messengers: Chemical molecules can spread to all tissues through the blood. Chemical signals can persist longer than electrical ones. Many different kinds of chemicals can act as hormones; different hormones can target different tissues.

Glands Many hormones are secreted by ductless endocrine glands. Obtain raw materials from and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Example: pituitary Exocrine glands have ducts for discharging secretions onto a free surface. Sweat glands, salivary glands, enzyme-secreting glands in the digestive tract.

Control Pathways and Feedback Loops A common feature of control pathways is a feedback loop connecting the response to the initial stimulus. Feedback inhibition: when an increase in any substance feedbacks to inhibit the process that produced the substance in the first place.

The Pancreas The pancreas is located behind the stomach and is connected to the small intestine by a small tube. It secretes digestive enzymes into the digestive tract (exocrine function). Endocrine function – production of insulin and glucagon.

Glucose Homeostasis The islets of Langerhans: -Beta cells in the pancreas secrete insulin and glucagon. (regulate blood sugar Insulin removes glucose from the blood. Glucagon returns glucose to the blood.

Diabetes Mellitus Endocrine disorder Body fails to produce or properly respond to insulin Type I: develops before age 15, immune system kills beta cells, little/no secretion of insulin Type II: after age 40, produce low to normal amts of insulin. Body does not respond to the hormone. Can be caused by obesity

Sex hormones Puberty : rapid growth and development, occurs btwn ages 9-15 Female reproductive hormone: estrogen responsible for, breast development, and wide hips Male reproductive hormone: testosterone, responsible for facial hair, increased muscle devlopment and deepening of the voice.