Critical Thinking Questions
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS
- Describe several main differences in the communication methods used by the endocrine system and the nervous system.
- Compare and contrast endocrine and exocrine glands.
- True or false: Neurotransmitters are a special class of paracrines. Explain your answer.
- Compare and contrast the signaling events involved with the second messengers cAMP and IP3.
- Describe the mechanism of hormone response resulting from the binding of a hormone with an intracellular receptor.
- Compare and contrast the anatomical relationship of the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus.
- Name the target tissues for prolactin.
- Explain why maternal iodine deficiency might lead to neurological impairment in the fetus.
- Define hyperthyroidism and explain why one of its symptoms is weight loss.
- Describe the role of negative feedback in the function of the parathyroid gland.
- Explain why someone with a parathyroid gland tumor might develop kidney stones.
- What are the three regions of the adrenal cortex and what hormones do they produce?
- If innervation to the adrenal medulla were disrupted, what would be the physiological outcome?
- Compare and contrast the short-term and long-term stress response.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder characterized by, among other symptoms, increased appetite, sluggishness, and increased sleepiness. It occurs most commonly during the winter months, especially in regions with long winter nights. Propose a role for melatonin in SAD and a possible non-drug therapy.
- Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a disease that causes deterioration of the retinas of the eyes. Describe the impact RP would have on melatonin levels.
- Compare and contrast the role of estrogens and progesterone.
- Describe the role of placental secretion of relaxin in preparation for childbirth.
- What would be the physiological consequence of a disease that destroyed the beta cells of the pancreas?
- Why is foot care extremely important for people with diabetes mellitus?
- Summarize the role of GI tract hormones following a meal.
- Compare and contrast the thymus gland in infancy and adulthood.
- Distinguish between the effects of menopause and andropause on fertility.