Brock Groenewegen, Post 1, Friday February 26 2010, 3/3

Review of the Class:

1. Recap of the Endocrine System from yesterday

·      Hypothalamus making ADH and oxytocin and then storing and dispersing them in the posterior pituitary gland.

·      Anterior hormones made and dispersed there.

§         Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

§         Adrenal Corticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

§         Growth Hormone (GH)

§         Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

§         Prolactin

§         Leutenizing Hormone (LH)

2. Got deeper into the Endocrine System slide show

·      Pancreas

§         Insulin

§         Glucagon

·      Adrenal Gland

o       Adrenal Medulla

§         Epinephrine (adrenaline)

§         Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

o       Adrenal Cortex

§         Cortisol (glucocortisol)

§         Aldosterone (mineralcorticoids)

§         Androgens

3. Worked on Endocrine System questions

·      P483 #1-6

·      P484 #4^a-d

4. Received the next “ticket to the test”

·      “Mr. Blanky” assignment

Thoughts about the Material:

            I think that this whole endocrine system is quite an interesting unit, even if the quantity of the information we are required to commit to memory is on the verge of overwhelming. Despite the enormous work load, I still quite enjoy this section of the first unit. I find it quite interesting to think that it is infinitesimal amounts of a certain chemical at a certain time that keeps you from floating belly up. The complexity of the human system as a whole is mind boggling, and it is surely a topic that will keep scientist intrigued for many years to come. One interesting question arose from the lesson regarding the typical time period for the effects of hypercortisolism, or Cushing’s syndrome to emerge (ex. 8-12 yrs of age).

Additional Insight:  

            Following up on the question posed by Jeff I believe it was, I found a web site; http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm , stating that Cushing’s Syndrome typically affects those who are between the age of 20 and 50. It also stated that those with type two diabetes have an even greater chance of developing Cushing’s Syndrome. To find out more information regarding this topic, follow the link provided above.