Chapter 20: Endrocrine System Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. • There is a close association between the endocrine and nervous systems. • Hormone secretion is usually controlled by either negative feedback or antagonistic hormones that oppose each other’s actions, and results in maintenance of a bodily substance or function within normal limits. The endocrine system Posterior Pituitary • The posterior pituitary stores and releases the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin produced by the hypothalamus. • ADH is secreted during dehydration and causes more water to be reabsorbed by the kidneys; the secretion of ADH is regulated by negative feedback. • Oxytocin causes uterine contractions and milk release, and is controlled by positive feedback. Anterior Pituitary • The hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary by producing hypothalamicreleasing hormones and hypothalamicinhibiting hormones. • The anterior pituitary produces six hormones. • Three of these six hormones have an effect on other endocrine glands: 1) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones; • 2) adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol; • 3) the gonadotropic hormones (FSH and LH) stimulate the gonads to produce sex cells and hormones. • In these three instances, the blood level of the last hormone exerts negative feedback control over the secretion of the first two hormones. • The next three anterior pituitary hormones do not effect other endocrine glands. • After childbirth, prolactin (PRL) causes mammary glands to produce milk. • Growth hormone (GH) promotes skeletal and muscular growth. • Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) causes skin color changes in fishes, amphibians, and reptiles. Hypothalamus and the pituitary Effects of Growth Hormone • The quantity of GH is greatest during childhood and adolescence; GH promotes bone and muscle growth. • Pituitary dwarfism results from too little GH during childhood. • Giants result from too much growth hormone during childhood. • If growth hormone is overproduced in an adult, it causes acromegaly. Effect of growth hormone Acromegaly Thyroid Gland • The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce thyroxine (T4) which contains four iodine atoms, and triiodothyronine (T3) which contains three iodine atoms. • Thyroid hormones increase the metabolic rate, and stimulate all body cells to metabolize and use energy at a faster rate. • Effects of Thyroid Hormones • If iodine is lacking in the diet, a simple goiter develops. • Use of iodized salt helps prevent simple goiters. • Hypothyroidism in childhood produces cretinism; in adulthood it causes myxedema. • If the thyroid is overactive (Grave’s disease) an exophthalmic goiter develops. Simple goiter Cretinism • Calcitonin • The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, which helps lower the blood calcium level when it is too high. • The primary effect of calcitonin is to bring about the deposit of calcium in the bones; it does this by temporarily reducing the activity and number of osteoclasts. • When the blood level of calcium is returned to normal, the release of calcitonin is inhibited. Parathyroid Glands • Parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which raises the blood calcium when it is insufficient, and decreases the blood phosphate level. • PTH acts by stimulating the activity of osteoclasts, thus releasing calcium from bone, and stimulates the reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys and intestine. • Insufficient parathyroid hormone will cause serious loss of blood calcium and cause tetany. Regulation of blood calcium level • The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine, which bring about responses we associate with emergency situations. • On a long-term basis, the adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids similar to cortisone and mineralocorticoids to regulate salt and water balance. • The adrenal cortex also secretes both male and female sex hormones in both sexes. Adrenal glands Glucocorticoids • Cortisol promotes breakdown of muscle proteins to amino acids; the liver then breaks the amino acids into glucose. • Cortisol also promotes metabolism of fatty acids rather than carbohydrates, which spares glucose. • Both actions raise the blood glucose level. • High levels of blood glucocorticoids can suppress immune system function. Mineralocorticoids • Aldosterone causes the kidneys to reabsorb sodium ions (Na+) and excrete potassium ions (K+). • When blood sodium levels and blood pressure are low, the kidneys secrete renin; the effect of the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system is to raise blood pressure. • The hormone atrial natriuretic hormone produced by the heart inhibits the secretion of aldosterone, thus reducing blood pressure. Regulation of blood pressure and volume Malfunction of the Adrenal Cortex • Addison disease develops when the adrenal cortex hyposecetes hormones. • A bronzing of the skin follows low levels of cortisol, and mild infection can lead to death; aldosterone is also hyposecreted, and dehydration can result. • Cushing syndrome develops when the adrenal cortex hypersecretes cortisol. • The trunk and face become round; too much aldosterone results in fluid retention. Addison disease Cushing syndrome Regulation of blood glucose level Diabetes Mellitus • The most common illness due to hormonal imbalance is diabetes mellitus. • Diabetes is due to the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin or the inability of the body cells to take it up. • Hyperglycemia symptoms develop, and glucose appears in the urine. • Diabetes is diagnosed using a glucose tolerance test. Glucose tolerance test • Type I diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin and the patient requires insulin injections. • Most people with diabetes have Type II diabetes mellitus where the pancreas produces insulin but the body cells do not respond. • Both types lead to long-term serious complications. The effects of anabolic steroid use Thymus Gland • The thymus under the sternum produces thymosins that stimulate T lymphocyte production and maturation. • The thymus decreases in size with age and becomes fatty. • There is hope that thymosins can be injected into AIDS or cancer patients where they would enhance T lymphocyte function. Pineal Gland • The pineal gland in the brain produces melatonin which is involved in circadian rhythms and the timing of development of the reproductive organs. • Children whose pineal gland has been destroyed due to a brain tumor experience early puberty. Hormones from Other Tissues • Leptin • Adipose tissue (fat) produces leptin that acts on the hypothalamus where it signals satiety—that the individual feels “full” and has had enough to eat. • It is possible that obese people have ineffective leptin due to a genetic mutation or that their cells lack adequate leptin receptors. Growth Factors • A number of different types of organs and cells produce peptide growth factors, which stimulate cell division and growth: • granulocyte and macrophage colonystimulating factor to fight infection, • platelet-derived growth factor for wound healing, • epidermal growth factor and nerve growth factor, both for wound healing, and • tumor angiogenesis factor that causes blood vessels to grow near tumor cells. Prostaglandins • Prostaglandins are produced within cells from arachidonate, a fatty acid. • Prostaglandins act close to where they are produced. • They cause uterine muscle contraction and are involved in the pain of menstrual cramps; aspirin is effective against the pain by countering prostaglandins. Chemical signals The Action of Hormones • Steroid hormones enter the nucleus and combine with a receptor protein, and the hormone-receptor complex attaches to DNA and activates certain genes. • Transcription and translation lead to protein synthesis. • Peptide hormones are usually received by a hormone receptor protein located in the plasma membrane. Action of a steroid hormone • Most often the reception of a peptide hormone leads to activation of an enzyme that changes ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP). • cAMP, as a second messenger, then activates an enzyme cascade. • Calcium is also a common second messenger. • Hormones work in small quantities because their effect is amplified by enzymes. Action of a peptide hormone • The anterior pituitary produces several hormones, some of which control other endocrine glands. • Growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary; giants are due to overproduction of growth hormone during childhood, and pituitary dwarfs are due to underproduction of growth hormone. • The thyroid produces two hormones that speed metabolism and another hormone that lowers the blood calcium level. • The distinct parathyroid glands produce a hormone that raises blood calcium level. • Adrenal glands produce hormones that help us respond to stress. • Malfunction of the adrenal cortex leads to the symptoms of Addison disease and Cushing disease. • The pancreas secretes hormones that regulate the blood glucose level. • Diabetes mellitus occurs when cells are unable to take up glucose and it spills over into the urine. • The gonads produce sex hormones that control secondary sex characteristics. • Many other tissues, although not traditionally considered endocrine glands, secrete hormones. • Hormones influence the metabolism of their target cells. Chapter 21: Reproduction Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. • Along the way, secretions (seminal fluid) are added from three glands: two seminal vesicles, the donut-shaped prostate gland at the base of the urinary bladder, and paired bulbourethral glands. • These glands add frustose for energy so sperm can swim, and prostaglandins that cause uterine contractions; the secretions are slightly basic. • Sperm with secretions from these glands is called semen. The male reproductive system Orgasm in Males • The penis, the organ of sexual, intercourse, becomes erect from sexual arousal that stimulates cGMP in smooth muscle cells to allow erectile tissue to fill with blood; arterioles dilate and veins are compressed. • Orgasm involves ejaculation and muscular tension followed by muscular contractions and relaxation. • Over 400 million sperm may be in each ejaculate. Penis anatomy Male Gonads, the Testes • The testes, which produce sperm and male sex hormones, contain seminiferous tubules surrounded by interstitial cells. • Testes originate in the abdominal cavity but descend into the scrotum where it is cool enough for sperm development. • Testes that do not descend must be treated surgically otherwise sterility will result. Seminiferous Tubules • Seminiferous tubules inside the testes produce haploid sperm through spermatogenesis. • Sustentacular cells (Sertoli cells) support, nourish, and regulate the cells during spermatogenesis. • Sperm have a head, middle piece, and tail. Testes • The head of the sperm is covered by a cap called the acrosome which stores enzymes needed to penetrate the egg. • Sperm do not live more than 48 hours in the female genital tract. • Interstitial cells that lie between the seminiferous tubules within testes produce testosterone. Sperm anatomy Hormonal Regulation in Males • In both males and females, gonadotropinreleasing hormone, or GnRH, secreted by the hypothalamus stimulates the anterior pituitary to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). • FSH stimulates the seminiferous tubules to produce sperm and the hormone inhibin. • LH stimulates interstitial cells to produce testosterone. • Testosterone brings about and maintains the male secondary sex characteristics. • Testosterone exerts feedback control over the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary resulting in a constant amount of hormones and sperm production over time. Hormonal control of testes The Genital Tract • The oviducts that extend from the ovaries to the uterus have finger-like projections or fimbriae that sweep the egg into an oviduct with the help of cilia. • Fertilization usually takes place in the oviduct; the zygote moves by ciliary movement and oviduct contractions to the uterus, where it implants in the uterine lining (endometrium). • The pear-shaped uterus is thick-walled and muscular. • The lower end of the uterus is the cervix that opens into the vagina. • The vagina facilitates sexual intercourse, serves as the birth canal, and acts as an exit for menstrual flow. • A Pap test allows microscopic examination of the cervix tissue for cancer cells. The female reproductive tract External Genitals • The external genital area of the female is the vulva and includes the vaginal opening, urethral opening, clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora. • The vagina may be partially closed by a ring of tissue called the hymen. • The reproductive and urinary systems in females are completely separate. External genitals of the female Orgasm in Females • Upon sexual stimulation, the labia, vaginal walls, and clitoris become engorged with blood. • The clitoris is extremely sensitive, and orgasm occurs at the height of the sexual response. • In contrast to the male penis, there is no refractory period, and multiple orgasms can occur during a single sexual experience. Anatomy of ovary and follicle • Egg follicles mature, from primary follicles to Graafian follicles. • When the egg is released, the empty follicle becomes the hormone-secreting corpus luteum. • The ovaries produce the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. • Estrogen and progesterone exert feedback control over the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary causing the cycle to begin again. • During a follicular phase (day 1-13), FSH from the anterior pituitary stimulates development of an oocyte-containing follicle which secretes estrogen and progesterone. • Ovulation occurs on day 14 of a 28-day cycle. • During a luteal phase (days 15–28), the corpus luteum develops under the influence of LH and secretes progesterone and estrogen to promote the development of the endometrium. Hormonal control of ovaries The Uterine Cycle • The female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, affect the endometrium, causing the uterus to undergo a cyclical series of events called the uterine cycle. • During menstruation (days 1-5), menses occurs due to the low levels of estrogen and progesterone in the blood. • During a proliferative phase (days 6-13), the endometrium thickens. • Ovulation occurs about day 14. • During a secretory phase (days 15-28), the endometrium continues to thicken and becomes vascular. • If pregnancy does not occur the cycle begins again. Female hormone levels Fertilization and Pregnancy • If fertilization occurs, the embryo implants in the endometrium. • The placenta begins to produce human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which maintains the corpus luteum and the uterine lining is maintained. • Eventually, the placenta will produce sufficient estrogen and progesterone. • No new ovulations occur during this time. Implantation Estrogen and Progesterone • At puberty, sex hormones (primarily estrogen) stimulate development of sex organs and maintain the secondary sex characteristics. • Estrogen is primarily responsible for female fat distribution. • Both estrogen and progesterone are needed for breast development. • Females have a wider pelvic girdle than males. Menopause • Between the ages of 45 and 55, the ovarian and uterine cycles cease. • The ovaries are no longer responsive to anterior pituitary hormones, and thus no longer produce estrogen and progesterone. • When menstruation ceases for a year, menopause is complete. • The intrauterine device (IUD) alters the uterine environment so fertilization and/or implantation cannot take place. • A diaphragm is a latex barrier that covers the cervix; a cervical cap is a minidiaphragm. • The diaphragm must be used along with spermicidal jelly or cream. • The male condom is a latex sheath fitted over the erect penis. • Contraceptive implants use time-release progesterone, and Depo-Provera injections alter the endometrium to discourage pregnancy. • Contraceptive vaccines may be able to utilize the immune system to HCG that is necessary to maintain the embryo. • An antisperm vaccine may also be possible. Various birth control devices Morning-after Pills • A kit called Preven, made up of four synthetic progesterone pills, may be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. • This upsets the normal uterine cycle, making implantation unlikely. • Mifepristone (RU-486) is a pill that causes the loss of an implanted embryo and may one day be routinely taken if menstruation is late. Infertility • Infertility is the failure of a couple to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. • The American Medical Association estimates that 15% of all couples are infertile. • The cause of infertility can be attributed to the male (40%), the female (40%), or both (20%). Causes of Infertility • Infertility in females is often caused by endometriosis, growth of the uterine lining outside the uterus, or blocked oviducts due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). • In males, a low sperm count and/or production of abnormal sperm occur due to disease, radiation, chemicals, high testes temperature, or psychoactive drugs. • Vasectomies are difficult to reverse, also leading to male infertility. Assisted Reproductive Technologies • Alternative methods to assist reproduction include artificial insemination by donor and intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and surrogate mothers who carry a pregnancy for another couple. AIDS • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the retrovirus HIV whose primary host is helper T cells. • HIV attaches to a CD4 receptor in the host cell membrane; then the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase copies viral RNA into DNA, which integrates itself into a host chromosome. • At the time of viral reproduction, host DNA produces many copies of viral RNA and protein synthesis produces capsid proteins. Reproduction of HIV Phases of an HIV Infection • During Category A: Acute Phase, the helper T lymphocyte count is 500 per mm3 or greater. • The immune system can still function normally and no serious symptoms appear. • The patient is highly infectious but does not have antibodies and therefore tests negative for HIV. • By the Category B: Chronic phase, the helper T cell count is 200–499 per mm3. • The lymph nodes are swollen, a person has severe fatigue, recurrent fevers, night sweats, and a persistent cough and diarrhea. • Toward the end of this phase, infections like thrush, and/or herpes simplex occur. • By the Category C: AIDS stage, the CD4 T cell count is below 200 per mm3. • Opportunistic infections develop, such as: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, toxoplasmosic encephalitis, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and invasive cervical cancer. • Treatment is successful for a while but death usually occurs 2–4 years following the AIDS stage. The course of an AIDS infection Treatment for HIV • There is no cure for AIDS but highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which combines the administration of two inhibitors of reverse transcriptase with a protease that prevents assembly, stops the progress of AIDS in the chronic stage for a number of years. • Research into various vaccine strategies is now being pursued. Genital Herpes • Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 and occasionally type 1 which usually causes cold sore. • Blisters are followed by painful ulcers, which can clear up and reappear later. • Infants born vaginally to women with genital herpes may contract herpes, causing grave illness, blindness, neurological disorders, or death. Genital herpes Genital Warts • Genital warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs). • Warts need not be visible on penis or vaginal opening. • Genital warts are associated with cancer of cervix; teenagers with multiple sex partners are especially susceptible to cervical cancer. • Genital warts are not curable at this time. • A newborn can become infected during vaginal birth. Genital warts Hepatitis Infections • There are a number of hepatitis infections. • Hepatitis A is normally acquired from drinking sewage-contaminated water, but may also be spread through oral/anal contact. • Hepatitis B is spread by sexual contact. • Hepatitis C is spread through transfusion. Hepatitis B • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is more likely to be spread by sexual contact than the HIV virus. • Flu-like symptoms and jaundice may be present. • A chronic form of the disease can lead to liver failure. • An HBV vaccine is now available and a part of the routine immunizations for children. Chlamydia • Chlamydia infections are more numerous than any other sexually transmitted disease. • Symptoms may appear to be a urinary tract infection with a mild burning sensation upon urination. • If not treated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), sterility, or ectopic pregnancy can result. Chlamydial infection Detection and Treatment of Chlamydia • Tests for detection of chlamydia are expensive and may not be readily available. • Physicians can use several criteria aside from detection of the organism to decide whether to prescribe the proper antibiotics to cure chlamydia. • If gonorrhea is present, some physicians also routinely prescribe antibiotics for chlamydia. Gonorrhea • Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. • Most males complain of pain on urination and there is a discharge. • Females are asymptomatic and may develop PID. • Infants can be infected during vaginal birth; silver nitrate or antibiotics in the eyes are standard treatment. Gonorrhea Syphilis • Syphilis, caused by a bacterium Treponema pallidum, has three stages. • In the primary stage, a chancre forms at site of infection. • In the secondary stage, the individual breaks out in a rash that does not itch; hair loss and gray patches on the mucous membranes in the mouth may occur. • These symptoms soon disappear. • In the terminal tertiary stage, gummas (large destructive ulcers) may appear on skin and within internal organs, and the disease affects a wide variety of organs. • In congenital syphilis, in which the bacterium has crossed the placenta, the child is born blind and/or with anatomical malformations. • Antibiotics easily cure syphilis. Two Other Infections • Vaginitis is caused by a naturally occurring yeast, Candida albicans, that grows to infectious levels. • Trichomoniasis is an vaginal infection caused by a flagellated protozoan. • The protozoan infection causes a white or yellow foul-smelling discharge, while the yeast causes a white, curdy discharge accompanied by itching. • Hormones control the monthly reproductive cycle in females and play a significant role in maintaining pregnancy when it occurs. • Birth-control measures vary widely in effectiveness. • Today, alternative methods of reproduction include in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, and many others. • There are many serious sexually transmitted diseases and some are of epidemic proportions. Lab Practicum III Review Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Practicum Review • Practicum covers Ex.17 - 24 • That is, start with porifera, end with echinoderms (in your text, it is Ch. 30-31) • Each exercise represents a Phylum – you should know the name of each phylum, which kingdom they belong to, and examples of animals from each (see lab stations, review your notes and lab-book). Practicum Review • For each phylum know: the level of organization (cellular, tissue, or organ), symmetry, if they have a true coelom (what is a true coloem?). • Know if parasitic species of a phylum exist. If so, be able to give an example. • Know the difference between a “complete” and “incomplete” digestive system (and who has what) and the general habitat in which representative organisms live. Porifera • Know and understand the following: spicules, spongin, regenerative power, type of reproduction (asexual vs. sexual), mode of nutrition and waste. • Anatomy: spongocoel, osculum, flow of water through the sponge (and how) Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Cnidaria • Know and understand the following: dimorphic (polyp vs. medusa form), , type of reproduction (asexual vs. sexual), nervous system (what type?), digestive system • Anatomy: tentacles, basal disc, cnidocytes, oral vs. aboral side, where mouth is located on three examples Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Platyhelminthes • Know and understand the following: digestive system, parasitic vs. free-living forms, definitive vs. intermediate host, transmission • Anatomy: Planaria (mouth, pharynx, and ocelli), tapeworm (scolex, hooks and suckers, proglottids –what’s in them?, mode of nutrition, mouth) Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Aschelminthes • Know and understand the following: parasitic vs. free-living forms, digestive system, ascaris lifecycle and transmission • Anatomy: cuticle, viscera, parthenogenesis Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Mollusca • Know and understand the following: type of circulatory system, presence of sense organs (eyes and chemoreceptors), mode of nutrition, intelligence in cephalopods – know the 5 classes and which animals belong where…. • Anatomy: foot, shell, mantle, gills, radula Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Annelida • Know and understand the following: parasitic vs. free-living, type of circulatory and respiratory system, brain? (nerve cord) and level of function • Anatomy (and function!): septa, setae, buccal cavity, pharynx, esophagus, crop, gizzard, aortic arches, nephridial tubules (function only) Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Arthropoda • Know and understand the following: exoskeleton, chitin, shedding/molting, metamorphosis, sense organs (antennae, compound and simple eyes, auditory organstympanic membranes), respiratory system • Anatomy (and function!): spinnerets, spiracles and trachei-tube system, 6 vs. 8 legs Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Echinodermata • Know and understand the following: endoskeleton, oral vs. aboral, dueterostome, importance of central disc and regeneration • Anatomy (and function!): watervascular system, mouth, stomach, tube-feet, pedicillarie Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Practicum Review • Study the Ex. Lab Review questions….most questions will be based on these as well as highlights discussed in class.