Download Chapter 10 – Endocrine System Critical Thinking

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Honors A&P
Chapter 10 (Endocrine System) – Critical Thinking Questions
Please answer the following questions in complete sentences on a separate piece of
paper. Please staple this sheet to the top of your answers.
1) Why is the secretion and action of calcitonin more important in adolescents than
adults? Explain.
2) Derivatives of cortisone are frequently administered as drugs to treat chronic
inflammation, a common symptom of some respiratory system disorders. Knowing the
effects of cortisone on the body, provide two reasons why it is essential that the levels
of these drugs in the body be closely monitored.
3) Levels of calcium in the blood are constantly regulated by two hormones. Why is it so
vital that calcium levels in the blood be maintained, i.e. what are the vital functions of
calcium in the body? Hint: Look in your digestive system and nutrition notes.
4) Why is the pancreas often referred to as a “mixed gland”? Be specific.
5) Leptin increases the secretion of gonadotropins, thus having a significant effect on
the reproductive system. Can you think of an example where decreased body fat
negatively affects the reproductive system? How does it affect it?
6) In general, the endocrine system becomes less efficient as we age. List 3 examples
of problems that are likely to affect elderly individuals as a result of decreased
hormone production.
7) How would you explain why new mothers sometimes experience cramps in their
lower abdomen when they begin to nurse their babies?
8) Up-regulation is the process by which a target cell increases the numbers of receptor
proteins so that the hormone can exert a greater effect. Down-regulation is the
opposite, decreasing the numbers of receptor proteins. Would drug tolerance be
caused by up-regulation or down-regulation? Explain.