HBS 2.2

What part of the endocrine system is 1 and its function?

Pineal gland

• regulates sleep/wake cycles

• secretes the hormone melatonin

What part of the endocrine system is 2 and its function?

Pituitary gland

• releases several hormones that relate to growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress or trauma response, water balance, and childbirth

What part of the endocrine system is 3 and its function?

Hypothalamus

• releases hormones to help with reproduction, thyroid regulation, growth, emotions, water levels in the body, and our response to stress

What part of the endocrine system is 4 and its function?

Thyroid gland

• plays a major role in growth and development of the human body and metabolism

What part of the endocrine system is 5 and its function?

Thymus

• makes white blood cells until puberty

• releases hormones that control the pituitary gland

What part of the endocrine system is 6 and its function?

Adrenal gland

• releases hormones that regulate the body’s response to stress as well as metabolism, blood pressure, and the immune system

What part of the endocrine system is 7 and its function?

Pancreas

• creates enzymes to break down sugars, fats, and starches

• creates hormones to regulate blood sugar, appetite, stomach acid, and when to empty your stomach

What part of the endocrine system is 8 and its function?

(F) ovaries

• produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone which regulate reproduction and menstruation

(m) testis

• produces sperm as well as testosterone which helps with the growth of the male body including developing muscles, deepening the voices, and growing body hair

(T/F) Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream and out of the body through ducts

False (endocrine glands release hormones into the blood only and do not use ducts)

(T/F) Hormones act more quickly than a nerve impulse

False (hormones take longer to reach their target and their effects are often longer lasting than a nerve impulse)

A target cell responds to a hormone because it has a specific … for that hormone.

receptor

How are C.elegans (multicellular eukaryotic organisms) similar to humans?

• specialized cells (neurons, muscle cells)

• complex systems (digestive, excretory, reproductive system)

C.elegans are … meaning they produce both eggs and sperm

hermaphroditic

*they can reproduce through self-fertilization as well as sexual reproduction*

C.elegans have a diet of …

bacteria (E.coli, etc.)

What does it mean when an organism is “mutant”?

An organism that has a modified or silenced gene in its genome

What does it mean when an organism is “wild-type”?

An organism without mutation in its genome (typically found in nature)

Summarize the article “Loss of physical contact in space alters the dopamine system in C. elegans”

When worms are in space, they don't move as much and they become smaller. This happens because they don't have enough dopamine, which is a chemical that helps with movement. But if we give them more dopamine, they start moving normally again. Also, when they touch each other, they make more dopamine and move better. This is important for keeping astronauts healthy in space.

Summarize the article “Lifespan-regulating genes in C.elegans”

Scientists have discovered certain genes in a tiny worm called C. elegans that can control how long it lives. These genes are involved in important processes like cell growth, DNA modification, and protein maintenance. The worm's lifespan can also be influenced by its environment and how it senses things around it. Understanding these genes and factors can help us learn more about aging and how to live longer and healthier lives.

Summarize the article “Serotonin and Dopamine Mimic Glucose-Induced Reinforcement in C.elegans: Potential Role of NSM Neurons and the Serotonin Subtype 4 Receptor”

When we eat food, our brain releases chemicals like glucose, serotonin, and dopamine that make us feel good and want to eat more. In a tiny worm called C. elegans, scientists found that glucose, serotonin, and dopamine can all make the worm like a certain smell more. But when the worm is hungry, it likes the smell even more. This tells us that our brain and body work together to make us want to eat more food.

Summarize the article “Pathogenic bacteria induce aversive olfactory learning in Caenorhabditis elegans”

Tiny worms can learn to avoid bad smells after being exposed to harmful bacteria. This is because the bacteria increase the amount of a chemical called serotonin in the worms' brains. Serotonin helps the worms remember that the bad smell is associated with the harmful bacteria. This learning is controlled by specific neurons in the worms' brains.

What does serotonin assist with in the brain?

memory, cognition, sleep, and mood

What mental health disorders have been associated with low levels of serotonin?

• depression

• anxiety

• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• phobias

• epilepsy

What is tryptophan, and which foods are high in it?

Tryptophan - essential amino acid (cannot be made by your body, needs to be obtained from the foods you eat)

• eggs

• nuts & seeds

• turkey & other poultry

• soy foods

• cheese

• seaweed

• pineapple

Where is testosterone made in and what role does it play?

Testes and ovaries

• building bone and muscle mass

• body hair growth

• development of reproductive tissue

Where is estrogen made in and what role it play?

Ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, and fat cells

• puberty

• menstruation

• pregnancy

• menopause

• sperm development

• bone health

Where is progesterone made in and what role does it play?

Ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands

• menstruation

• pregnancy

• testosterone production

What are endocrine disruptors and what are some examples of them?

endocrine disruptors - substances that interfere with hormones and the endocrine system (can be human-made or naturally occuring, found in everyday products)

• BPA - used to make plastics

• Phytoestrogens - occurs naturally in plant products (sesame seeds, flax seeds, tofu, and soy milk)

• Phthalates - used to make plastics more flexible

• Triclosan - used as an antimicrobial in products like soaps, toothpaste, clothing, and toys

Summarize the article “Impact of Chemical Endocrine Disruptors and Hormone Modulators on the Endocrine System”

Chemicals in our environment can mess with our hormones and cause problems in our bodies. They can affect our thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and reproductive system. They can mimic or change the way our hormones work, leading to health issues. It's important to be aware of these chemicals and their effects on our bodies.

Summarize the article “Killing two birds with one stone: Pregnancy is a sensitive window for endocrine effects on both the mother and the fetus”

When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through a lot of changes. These changes can be affected by certain chemicals called endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs can come from things like food and cosmetics. They can have both short-term and long-term effects on the mother and the baby. It's important for pregnant women to be careful about what they eat and use on their bodies to avoid these chemicals.

Summarize the article “The effect of endocrine disruptors on the reproductive system – current knowledge”

Some chemicals called endocrine disruptors can mess up our hormones and affect our reproductive system. They can cause problems like infertility and hormonal imbalances. These chemicals are found in everyday products and can also be in the food we eat. Some foods have natural chemicals called phytoestrogens that can also act like endocrine disruptors.

Summarize the article “A preliminary study on the relationship between environmental endocrine disruptors and precocious puberty in girls”

Some chemicals in the environment can mess with the hormones in girls' bodies and make them go through puberty too early. A study found that girls with early puberty had higher levels of these chemicals in their bodies. The study also found that the girls with early puberty had lower levels of certain hormones. We need to reduce exposure to these chemicals to protect children's health.