Control and Coordination [Part – 04]
Endocrine System [Hormones]
Ques.01) How does chemical coordination take place in animals?
Ans. Chemical coordination in animals takes place through the hormones secreted by the
endocrine glands. Coordination in animals takes place through hormone system as well as
nervous system which is called endocrine system. Endocrine glands secrete animal hormones
directly into the blood that reach to the specific cells. Special type of molecules are present on
the surface of cells to detect these hormones. These cells act according to the information that a
particular hormone carries.
Ques.02) What is the chemical nature of hormone?
Ans. Chemically hormones are not always protein, but they are of different chemical natures.
They may be protein as insulin, polypeptide like parathyroid hormone or epinephrine.
Ques.03) Why are hormones called ‘chemical messengers’?
Ans. The hormones are carried to all the parts of the body through blood circulation to bring
about the harmonious working of the body. So, they are called chemical messengers.
Endocrine glands in animals possess a versatile communication system to coordinate biological
functions. Exocrine glands and endocrine glands are two kinds of glands found in animals.
Endocrine glands are found in different regions of the body of animals as well as human beings.
These glands are called ductlessglands. Th eir secretions are called hormones which are
produced in minute quantities. Th e secretions diff use into the blood stream and are carried to
the distant parts of the body. Th ey act on specifi c organs which are referred as target organs.
Ques.04) Name the Endocrine glands in human body and explain them.
Ans. Different types of endocrine glands present in human body. These are:
1. The pituitary gland,
2. The thyroid,
3. The parathyroid
4. The hypothalamus,
5. The thymus
6. The pancreas (Islets of langerhans),
7. The adrenal gland (Adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla),
8. The Gonads (Testes and Ovary).
9. Pineal body
1. Pituitary Gland:
The pituitary gland or hypophysis is a pea shaped compact mass of cells located at the
base of the midbrain attached to the hypothalamus by a pituitary stalk.
The pituitary gland is anatomically composed of two lobes and performs different
functions. They are the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe
(neurohypophysis).
The intermediate lobe is non-existent in humans.
The pituitary gland forms the major endocrine gland in most vertebrates.
It regulates and controls other endocrine glands and so is called as the “Master gland”.
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Hormones secreted by the anterior lobe (Adenohypophysis) of pituitary.
The anterior pituitary is composed of different types of cells and secretes hormone which
stimulates the production of hormones by other endocrine glands.
The hormones secreted by anterior pituitary are
a. Growth Hormone
b. Thyroid stimulating Hormone
c. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
d. Gonadotropic Hormone (comprises the Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing
Hormone)
e. Prolactin
a. Growth hormone (GH):
GH promotes the development and enlargement of all tissues of the body. It stimulates the
growth of muscles, cartilage and long bones. It controls the cell metabolism.
The improper secretion of this hormone leads to the following conditions.
Dwarfism:
It is caused by decreased secretion of growth hormone in children. The characteristic
features are stunted growth, delayed skeletal formation and mental disability.
Gigantism:
Over secretion of growth hormone leads to gigantism in children. It is characterised by
overgrowth of all body tissues and organs. Individuals attain abnormal increase in height.
Acromegaly:
Excess secretion of growth hormone in adults may lead to abnormal enlargement of head,
face, hands and feet.
b. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
TSH controls the growth of thyroid gland, coordinates its activities and hormone secretion.
c. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH):
ACTH stimulates adrenal cortex of the adrenal gland for the production of its hormones. It
also influences protein synthesis in the adrenal cortex.
d. Gonadotropic hormones (GTH):
The gonadotropic hormones are follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone
which are essential for the normal development of gonads.
(i) Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
In male, it stimulates the germinal epithelium of testes for formation of sperms. In female
it initiates the growth of ovarian follicles and its development in ovary.
(ii) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
In male, it promotes the Leydig cells of the testes to secrete male sex hormone
testosterone. In female, it causes ovulation (rupture of mature graafian follicle),
responsible for the development of corpus luteum and production of female sex
hormones estrogen and progesterone.
e. Prolactin (PRL):
PRL is also called lactogenic hormone. This hormone initiates development of mammary
glands during pregnancy and stimulates the production of milk after child birth.
Hormones secreted by the posterior lobe (Neurohypophysis) of pituitary
The hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary are:
a. Vasopressin or Antidiuretic hormone and
b. Oxytocin
a. Vasopressin or Antidiuretic hormone (ADH):
In kidney tubules it increases reabsorption of water.
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It reduces loss of water through urine and hence the name antidiuretic hormone.
Deficiency of ADH reduces reabsorption of water and causes an increase in urine
output (polyuria).
This deficiency disorder is called Diabetes insipidus.
b. Oxytocin:
It helps in the contraction of the smooth muscles of uterus at the time of child birth
and milk ejection from the mammary gland after child birth.
2. Thyroid Gland:
The thyroid gland is composed of two distinct lobes lying
one on either side of the trachea.
The two lobes are connected by means of a narrow
band of tissue known as the isthmus. This gland is
composed of glandular follicles and lined by cuboidal
epithelium.
The follicles are filled with colloid material called
thyroglobulin.
An amino acid tyrosine and iodine are involved in the
formation of thyroid hormone.
The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are
a. Triiodothyronine (T3) and
b. Tetraiodothyronine or Thyroxine (T4)
Functions of thyroid hormones:
The functions of thyroid hormones are
1) Production of energy by maintaining the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) of the body.
2) Helps to maintain normal body temperature.
3) Influences the activity of central nervous system.
4) Controls growth of the body and bone formation.
5) Essential for normal physical, mental and personality development. It is also known as
personality hormone.
6) Regulates cell metabolism.
When the thyroid gland fails to secrete the normal level of hormones, the condition is called
thyroid dysfunction. It leads to the following conditions:
Hypothyroidism: It is caused due to the decreased secretion of the thyroid hormones. The
abnormal conditions are simple goitre, cretinism and myxoedema.
Goitre: It is caused due to the inadequate supply of iodine in our diet. This is commonly
prevalent in Himalayan regions due to low level of iodine content in the soil. It leads to the
enlargement of thyroid gland which protrudes as a marked swelling in the neck and is called as
goitre.
Cretinism: It is caused due to decreased secretion of the thyroid hormones in children. The
conditions are stunted growth, mental defect, lack of skeletal development and deformed bones.
They are called as cretins.
Myxoedema: It is caused by deficiency of thyroid hormones in adults. They are mentally
sluggish, increase in body weight, puffiness of the face and hand, oedematous appearance.
Hyperthyroidism: It is caused due to the excess secretion of the thyroid hormones which leads
to Grave’s disease. The symptoms are protrusion of the eyeballs (Exopthalmia), increased
metabolic rate, high body temperature, profuse sweating, loss of body weight and nervousness.
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3. Parathyroid Gland:
The parathyroid glands are four small oval bodies that are
situated on the posterior surface of the thyroid lobes.
The chief cells of the gland are mainly concerned with
secretion of parathormone.
Functions of Parathormone:
1) The parathormone regulates calcium and phosphorus
metabolism in the body.
2) They act on bone, kidney and intestine to maintain blood
calcium levels.
The secretion of parathyroid hormone can be altered due to the following conditions:
1) Removal of parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy (removal of thyroid) causes
decreased secretion of parathormone.
2) The conditions are Muscle spasm known as Tetany (sustained contraction of muscles in
face, larynx, hands and feet).
3) Painful cramps of the limb muscles.
4. Hypothalamus:
Hypothalamus integrates the endocrine and nervous systems;
It receives input from the body and other brain areas and initiates endocrine responses
to environmental changes; synthesizes hormones which are stored in the posterior
pituitary gland;
It is also synthesizes and secretes regulatory hormones that control the endocrine cells
in the anterior pituitary gland.
Hormones produced include
1) Growth-hormone releasing hormone: It stimulates release of growth hormone
(GH) from the anterior pituitary
2) Corticotropin-releasing hormone: It stimulates release of adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary
3) Thyrotropin-releasing hormone: It stimulates release of thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary
4) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone: It stimulates release of follicle -stimulating
hormone and luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary
5) Antidiuretic hormone:
Vasopressin: It promotes re-absorption of water by kidneys; stored in posterior
pituitary.
Oxytocin: It induces uterine contractions labor and milk release from mammary
glands; stored in posterior pituitary
5. Thymus Gland:
Thymus is partly an endocrine gland and
partly a lymphoid gland.
It is located in the upper part of the chest
covering the lower end of trachea.
Thymosin is the hormone secreted by
thymus.
Functions of Thymosin:
1) It has a stimulatory effect on the immune
function.
2) It stimulates the production and differentiation of lymphocytes.
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6. Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans):
Pancreas is an elongated, yellowish gland situated in the loop of stomach and
duodenum.
It is exocrine and endocrine in nature.
The exocrine pancreas secretes pancreatic juice which plays a role in digestion while the
endocrine portion is made up of Islets of Langerhans.
The Islets of Langerhans consists of two types of cells namely alpha cells and beta cells.
The alpha cells secrete glucagon and beta cells secrete insulin.
Functions of Pancreatic hormones:
A balance between insulin and glucagon production is necessary to maintain blood
glucose concentration.
Insulin
Insulin helps in the conversion of glucose into glycogen which is stored in liver and skeletal
muscles.
It promotes the transport of glucose into the cells.
It decreases the concentration of glucose in blood.
Glucagon
Glucagon helps in the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver.
It increases blood glucose levels.
Diabetes mellitus
The deficiency of insulin causes Diabetes mellitus. It is characterised by
Increase in blood sugar level (Hyperglycemia).
Excretion of excess glucose in the urine (Glycosuria).
Frequent urination (Polyuria).
Increased thirst (Polydipsia).
Increase in appetite (Polyphagia).
7. Adrenal Gland
The adrenal glands are located above each kidney.
They are also called supra renal glands.
The outer part is the adrenal cortex and the inner part is the adrenal medulla.
The two distinct parts are structurally and functionally different.
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Adrenal Cortex:-
The adrenal cortex consists of three layers of cells. They are
zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis
Hormones of Adrenal Cortex
The hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex are corticosteroids. They are classified into
a. Glucocorticoids b. Mineralocorticoids
Functions of adrenocortical hormones :
a. Glucocorticoids
1) The glucocorticoids secreted by the zona fasciculata are cortisol and
corticosterone.
2) They regulate cell metabolism.
3) It stimulates the formation of glucose from glycogen in the liver.
4) It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent.
b. Mineralocorticoids
1) The mineralocorticoids secreted by zona glomerulosa is aldosterone.
2) It helps to reabsorb sodium ions from the renal tubules.
3) It causes increased excretion of potassium ions.
4) It regulates electrolyte balance, body fluid volume, osmotic pressure and blood
pressure.
Adrenal Medulla:-
The adrenal medulla is composed of chromaffin cells.
They are richly supplied with sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.
Hormones of Adrenal Medulla
It secretes two hormones namely
a. Epinephrine (Adrenaline) b. Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
They are together called as “Emergency hormones”.
It is produced during conditions of stress and emotion.
Hence it is also referred as “flight, fright and fight hormone”.
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Functions of adrenal medullary hormones:
a. Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
1) It promotes the conversion of glycogen to glucose in liver and muscles.
2) It increases heart beat and blood pressure.
3) It increases the rate of respiration by dilation of bronchi and trachea.
4) It causes dilation of the pupil in eye.
5) It decreases blood flow through the skin.
b. Norepinephrine (Noradrenalin)
Most of its actions are similar to those of epinephrine.
8. Reproductive Glands (Gonads):
The sex glands are of two types the testes and the ovaries.
The testes are present in male, while the ovaries are present in female.
Testes
Testes are the reproductive glands of the males.
They are composed of seminiferous tubules, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells.
Leydig cells form the endocrine part of the testes.
They secrete the male sex hormone called testosterone.
Functions of testosterone:
1) It influences the process of spermatogenesis.
2) It stimulates protein synthesis and controls muscular growth.
3) It is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characters (distribution of
hair on body and face, deep voice pattern, etc).
Ovary
The ovaries are the female gonads located in the pelvic cavity of the abdomen.
They secrete the female sex hormones: a. Estrogen b. Progesterone
a. Estrogen: It is produced by the Graafian follicles of the ovary.
Functions of estrogens:
1) It brings about the changes that occur during puberty.
2) It initiates the process of oogenesis.
3) It stimulates the maturation of ovarian follicles in the ovary.
4) It promotes the development of secondary sexual characters (breast development,
high pitched voice etc).
b. Progesterone: It is from the corpus luteum that is formed in the ovary from the
ruptured follicle during ovulation.
Functions of progesterone:
1) It is responsible for the premenstrual changes of the uterus.
2) It prepares the uterus for the implantation of the embryo.
3) It maintains pregnancy.
4) It is essential for the formation of placenta
9. The pineal gland:
It is located near the centre of the brain, dorsal to the diencephalon
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It produces the hormone melatonin.
Melatonin affects reproductive development, modulation of wake and sleep
patterns, and seasonal
Important Questions and Answers
Ques.01) What is Cushing’s disease?
Ans. Cushing’s disease means hypersecretion of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) from the
pituitary gland can result in an overactive adrenal gland. This is a type of Cushing's syndrome,
which occurs in humans with high corticosteroid levels.
Ques.02) What is Cushing's syndrome?
Ans. Cushing’s syndrome is the outcome of excessive corticosteroids in the body. The main
reason for the excess production of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) in the pituitary gland.
The ACTH leads to the production of corticosteroids by the adrenal gland. Thus, excess ACTH
corresponds to excess corticosteroids.
One more reason is intake of long-term steroids such as prednisone. Corticotropins can
also be produced by some tumours and lung cancers outside the pituitary gland. Cancerous or
benign tumours on the adrenal gland are other reasons.
Ques.03) What are the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome?
Ans. Symptoms of cushing’s syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome can cause problems in various parts of the body. One of the most
common symptoms is weight gain. High cortisol levels cause fat redistribution, particularly to the
stomach and chest, as well as a rounding of the face.
The following are some other typical signs and symptoms,
Easy bruising
High blood pressure
Thinning of the skin
Excessive pink or purple stretch marks known as striae
Osteoporosis
Muscle weakness
Ques.04) Which parts of the alimentary canal produce hormones?
Ans. The parts of the alimentary canal which produce hormones are the stomach and intestine.
The stomach produces a hormone Gastrin. It stimulates the gastric glands to secrete gastric
juices.
Ques.05) Are the following glands exocrine or endocrine glands?
(i) Salivary gland, (ii) Liver, (iii) Thyroid gland, (iv) Pancreas, (v) Adrenal.
Ans. (i) Salivary glands: Exocrine gland.
(ii) Liver: Exocrine gland.
(iii) Thyroid gland: Endocrine gland.
(iv) Pancreas: Hasacini cells which act as exocrine glands and the Islets of langerhans
act as endocrine glands.
(v) Adrenal: Endocrine gland.
Ques.06) Which hormones are secreted by anterior pituitary gland?
Ans. 1.Growth hormone.
2. Thyroid stimulating hormone.
3. Follicle stimulating hormone.
4. Luteinizing hormone.
5. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone.
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Ques.07) How is iodine important to our body?
Ans. Iodine is the active ingredient in the production of thyroxin hormone. Thyroxin hormone
controls all the metabolic activities of our body like metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein
etc. If there is insufficient quantity of iodine in food, the thyroxin hormone is not produced. As a
result, thyroid gland increases in size which is visible as a swelling in the neck. This condition is
known as goitre.
Ques.08) People living in hilly regions usually suffer from simple goitre. Explain.
Ans. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroxin by the thyroid gland. The people living in
hilly regions receive insufficient iodine in their diet, due to the fact that they drink iodine deficient
water from rivers and streams fed by melting snow. Even their diet has little or no iodine. When
there is a deficiency of iodine in the diet the thyroid gland enlarges in order to compensate for
this deficiency resulting in goiter.
Ques.09) What is osteoporosis and what is its cause?
Ans. Osteoporosis is a disease caused due to excessive secretion of parathormone. In this, the
bones become weak, elastic and bent.
Osteoporosis is a condition that degrades the bones, causing them to turn brittle as a
result of a loss of bone tissue and a low bone mass. Consequently, the person turns exceedingly
susceptible to fractures. Such fractures are known as fragility fractures. Let’s learn more about
osteoporosis condition with the help of a diagram.
Causes of Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis can be caused due to a variety of reasons, such as:
1. Low peak bone mass
2. Low levels of testosterone and estrogen in men and women
3. Imbalanced hormones
4. Hyperthyroidism and other thyroid problems
5. Kidney diseases, anorexia
6. Surgical treatment on ovaries for its removal
7. Low calcium diet
8. Lack of Vitamin D
Ques.10) Write in brief about the causes and symptoms of exophthalmic goiter.
Ans. Exophthalmic goitre or Grave’s disease is caused by over activity of the thyroid gland. The
thyroid increases in size and leads to an increased metabolic rate, a high rate of heart beat and
wasting away of the tissues of the body.
The apparent symptoms are:
(a) Goitre (Swelling in the neck).
(b) Protuberance of the eyeballs.
(c) The patient feels tired, nervous and restless.
Ques.11) How is the movement of leaves of the sensitive plant different from the
movement of a shoot towards light?
Ans.
Movement of leaves of sensitive plant Movement of a shoot towards light
1. It is a nastic movement which does not 1. It is a tropic movement which depends
depend on the direction of stimulus applied. on the direction of stimulus applied.
2. The stimulus is touch. 2. The stimulus is light.
3. It is caused by the sudden loss of water 3. It is caused by the unequal growth on the
from the swellings at the base of leaves. two sides of the shoot.
4. It is not a growth movement. 4. It is a growth movement.
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Ques.12) How does our body respond when adrenaline is secreted into the blood?
Ans. The heart beat increases when adrenaline is secreted into the blood so that more oxygen
is supplied to our muscles. The blood supplies to the digestive system and skin decreases
because the small arteries around the muscles of these organs contract. This turns the direction
of blood towards our skeletal muscles. The breathing rate also increases due to the contractions
of the diaphragm and rib muscles. All these responses enable us to face the situations of fear
and anger.
Ques.13) Why are some patients of diabetes treated by giving injections of insulin?
Ans. Insulin hormone regulates blood sugar levels. If this is not secreted in proper amounts, the
sugar level in the blood rises. This causes for many harmful effects. To treat harmful effects of
increased level of blood sugar, the diabetic patients are treated by giving injections of insulin.
Ques.14) What is the function of receptors in our body? Think of situations where
receptors do not work properly. What problems are likely to arise?
Ans. Receptors are specialised cells located in our sense organs like ear, nose, skin, tongue
and eyes. The function of receptors is to detect information from the environment. For example,
olfactory receptors detect smell. If receptors do not work properly, the information obtained from
the environment will be delayed to reach the spinal cord or brain. In this situation, the response
to the environmental stimulus will be delayed causing harm to the body. For example, if skin
receptors are damaged, and one accidentally touches a hot object, then his/her hands might get
burn as the damaged receptor cannot perceive the external stimuli of heat and pain.
Ques.15) Which signals will get disrupted in case of a spinal cord injury?
Ans. (i) All the involuntary actions will get disturbed.
(ii) Reflex actions will be disturbed because reflexes are located in the spinal cord.
Therefore, the quick responses required to safe guard the body will not take place.
Ques.16) What is the need for a system of control and coordination in an organism?
Ans. An organism needs control and coordination system for the following functions:
(i) To save the body of the organisms from the harmful changes in the environment.
(ii) To control the speed of voluntary and involuntary actions.
(iii) To have the capability to think and learn for responding to any stimuli.
Ques.17) What are the hormones involved in providing milk to the suckling infant?
Ans. 1) Prolactin (Maternity Hormone): Production of milk.
2) Oxytocin: Ejection of milk.
Ques.18) How does pancreas control glucose level of blood?
Ans. Pancreas produces two hormones
Insulin from -cells of islet of Langerhans and Glucagon from -cells of islets of
langerhans.
Insulin is produced when glucose level of blood rises.
Insulin helps the cells to withdraw glucose from blood.
It also converts glucose into glycogen in liver and muscles.
Ques.19) Why the pituitary is called the master gland?
Ans. The pituitary gland is called the 'master gland' as the hormones it produces control so
many different processes in the body.
It senses the body's needs and sends signals to different organs and glands throughout
the body to regulate their function and maintain an appropriate environment.
It secretes a variety of hormones into the bloodstream which acts as messengers to
transmit information from the pituitary gland to distant cells, regulating their activity. For
example, the pituitary gland produces prolactin, which acts on the breasts to induce
milk production.
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The pituitary gland also secretes hormones that act on the adrenal glands, ovaries, and
testes, which in turn produce other hormones.
Through secretion of its hormones, the pituitary gland controls metabolism, growth,
sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure, and many other vital physical
functions and processes.
The hormones of pituitary gland regulate so many activities of the body and other
endocrine gland. Hence, it is called master gland.
Ques.20) Give reason: “Adrenaline is also known as emergency hormone.”
Ans. The adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline hormone at times of stress or emergencies, so
adrenaline is known as the emergency hormone because
1) It is released by the adrenal glands under the conditions of stress or excitement.
2) This hormone is also a part of the body’s stress response called the fight or flight
response.
3) Adrenaline is released into the blood during an emergency. This secretion starts
responding to specific target organ activities, such as those of the heart, lungs, blood
pressure, metabolism, and other organs.
4) Increases the supply of oxygen and glucose to muscles and brain.
5) This hormone causes the heart to beat quickly, allowing a more oxygen intake. This
sudden surge in oxygen delivery to muscles affects the lungs, causing the diaphragm and
rib muscles to contract quickly.
6) Blood flow to the skin and digestive system is diminished, as a result of contraction. These
muscles' arteries tend to boost the blood supply to the skeletal system.
7) Increases the heart rate and the amount of blood pumped by the heart per beat.
8) Dilates the air passages and constricts the blood vessels
Ques.21) Give reason: “Our hair stands on their ends during fear”.
Ans. During fear adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline which prepares the body to face fear by
increasing heart beat, blood pressure and energy production. That is why our hair stands on their
during fear.
Ques.22) “Some adult women may develop facial hairs”. What may be the cause for it?
Ans. Some women develop facial hair like beard and moustache due to abnormal production of
androgens like testosterone. In these women, they produce higher than normal levels of male
sex hormones, androgens. This results in male-pattern hair growth along with other male
characteristics, like heavy voice. If there is an overgrowth of the adrenal cortex in an adult
woman, she develops facial hairs. This condition is known as adrenal virilism.
Ques.23) Pancreas is both an exocrine gland and an endocrine gland. Explain.
Ans. Pancreas is a heterocrine or myxocrine gland as it contains two types of secretary
structures, i.e.
(i) Islet of Langerhans which secrete hormones insulin and glucagon, and these are
transported by way of blood, and
(ii) Acini that secretes pancreatic juice that is transported by way of ducts.
Ques.24) What type of plant movement is seen in the
diagram of coiling of tendril?
Or, How do auxins promote the growth of a tendril
around a support? Describe in brief.
Ans. Thigmotropism or curvature movement that occurs in
response to contact. Less auxin is present in the region of
contact. The free side having more auxin shows more
growth. This causes the tendril to coil over the support.
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Ques.25) Identify and label the parts shown as A and B in
the accompanying figure.
Ans. Dorsal view of thyroid an parathyroid.
A – Thyroid, B- Parathyroid.
Ques.26) What is dormin?
Ans. Dormin is the other name of plant hormone abscisic acid. The hormone induces dormancy
in buds and seeds. So it has been called dormin.
Ques.27)
(i) Name the parts labelled A and B in the neuron drawn above.
(ii) Which part acquires the information in the neuron?
(iii) Through which part does the information travel?
(iv) In what form does this information travel?
(v) Where is the impulse converted into a chemical signal for onward transmission?
Ans. (i) A-Dendrite, B-Axon
(ii) Dandrite.
(iii) Dandrite to cell body or cyton to axon.
(iv) Electrical impulse
(v) In the region of synapse. Impulse stimulates the release of chemical neurotransmitter
from the surface of presynaptic knob or bouton of axon terminal. Neurotransmitter (example,.
acetylcholine) comes in contact with chemoreceptor sites of post-synaptic membrane of the
next neuron and generates a fresh impulse.
Ques.28) Write the differences between the followings:
1. Endocrine gland and Exocrine gland.
2. Hormones and Enzyme
3. Insulin and Glucagon.
4. Nervous control and Hormonal control
5. Cretinism and Myxedema.
6. Gigantism and Acromegaly.
7. Diabetes mellitus and Diabetes insipidus.
8. Acromegaly and Myxedema.
9. Simple Goitre and Exophthalmic Goitre.
10. Nervous mechanism and Hormonal mechanism
Ans. 1. Endocrine gland and Exocrine gland
Endocrine gland Exocrine gland
(i) These are ductless glands. (i) They may or may not have ducts.
(ii) They pour secretion directly into the blood.(ii) The secretion is poured directly at the
sight of action or reaches the target.
(iii) They secrete hormones. (iii) They secrete enzymes.
(iv) They control long term activities of target (iv) They control short term activity.
organs. Example, thyroid glands. Example, gastric gland.
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2. Hormones and Enzyme :
Hormones Enzyme
(i) Act at sites usually far away from source. (i) Act usually within the same cell or at the
most close to the cell.
(ii) Always transported by blood. (ii) Not transported by blood. In some cases
transported by ducts.
(iii) Chemically may be proteins, steroids or (iii) Chemically always protein.
amino acids.
3. Insulin and Glucagon :
Insulin Glucagon
(i) It is secreted by P-cells of Islets of (i) It is secreted by a-cells of Islets of
Langerhans. Langerhans.
(ii) It converts the excess glucose into (ii) It converts the glycogen into glucose.
glycogen.
4. Nervous control and Hormonal control :
Nervous Control Hormonal Control
(i) The information is sent in the form of (i) The information is sent in the form of
electric signals. chemical signals.
(ii) The signals travel through nerve fibres to (ii) The signals travel through blood stream
specific target cells like muscle fibres and to cells in different organs.
glands.
(iii) Nervous system causes muscles to (iii) Endocrine system brings about changes
contract or relax, glands to secrete more or in metabolic activities of all body tissues. It
less. But it cannot bring about growth. affects growth.
(iv) Action is immediate (within few (iv) Action is slow (can take hours or days to
milliseconds.) produce response).
(v) Effect lasts for a sliort time. (v) Effect is more lasting and permanent.
5. Cretinism and Myxedema :
Cretinism Myxedema
(i) Caused by hyposecretion of thyroxine in
(i) Caused by hyposecretion of thyroxine in
infants. adults.
(ii) It is characterized by stunted growth, pot
(ii) It is characterized by puffy appearance
belly, protruding tongue and pigeon chest.due to accumulation of fat in the
subcutaneous tissue and oedema
(accumulation of water in tissue space).
(iii) Mental and sexual retardation takes (iii) Mental and sexual development is not
place. affected but patients lack alertness.
6. Gigantism and Acromegaly.:
Gigantism Acromegaly
(i) Caused by over-secretion of somatotropin (i) Caused by over-secretion of somatotropin
in childhood. after adolescence.
(ii) Due to abnormal elongation of bones and (ii) Abnormal increase of bones of hands and
muscles, person is of abnormally large height. legs, and the lower jaw, person has gorilla
like appearance but is not a giant.
7. Diabetes mellitus and Diabetes insipidus :
Diabetes mellitus Diabetes insipidus
(i) It is caused by the deficiency of insulin. (i) It is caused by the deficiency of ADH.
(ii) Patient’s urine contains glucose. (ii) Glucose is not present in the urine.
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Control and Coordination [Part – 04]
Endocrine System [Hormones]
8. Acromegaly and Myxedema.:
Acromegaly Myxedema
(i) It occurs due to malfunctioning of pituitary (ii) It occurs due to malfunctioning of thyroid
gland. gland.
(ii) Occurs due to over-secretion of growth (ii) Occurs due to low secretion of thyroxine.
hormone. It is hyperactivity disorder. It is hypoactivity disorder.
9. Simple Goitre and Exophthalmic Goitre:
Simple Goitre Exophthalmic Goitre
(i) It is caused by the deficiency of iodine. (i) It is caused by the over activity of thyroid
gland.
(ii) It can be-covered by adding iodine in the (ii) It can be cured by killing the thyroid cells
diet. or removing of portion of the thyroid gland.
10. Nervous mechanism and Hormonal mechanism :
Nervous mechanism Hormonal mechanism
(i) It is a fast process. (i) It is a slow process.
(ii) Arteries and glands are affected. (ii) It affects the target organ.
(iii) It transmits in electrochemical form. (iii) It transmits in chemical form.
(iv) It does not control metabolism. (iv) It controls metabolism.
(v) Growth is not affected. (v) Growth is affected.
Ques.29) Study the diagram given below and then answer the questions that follow :
(i) Name the cells of the pancreas that produce (1) glucagon, (2) insulin.
(ii) State the main function of (1) glucagon, (2) insulin.
(iii) Why is the pancreas referred to as an exo-endocrine gland?
(iv) Why is insulin not given orally but is injected into the body?
(v) What is the technical term for the cells of the pancreas that produce endocrine
hormones?
(vi) Where in the body is the pancreas located?
Ans. (i) (1) Alpha cells of islet of Langerhans. (2) Beta cells of islet of Langerhans.
(ii) (1) Glucagon increases blood sugar level. (2) Insulin decreases blood sugar level.
(iii) Pancreas produces pancreatic juice which is carried by pancreatic duct into the
duodenum. It also produces hormones which are poured into blood. Because of this dual activity,
it is called an exo-endocrine gland.
(iv) If insulin is given orally it will be digested by the protein digesting enzymes in the
stomach. Hence it has to be injected.
(v) Islets of Langerhans.
(vi) Below the stomach.
Ques.30) Name the following:
1. Which gland is exocrine as well as endocrine gland?
2. Which hormone is secreted by the pancreas?
3. Hormone secreted by p-cells of Islets of Langerhans.
4. Disease caused by the deficiency of insulin.
5. The hormone produced by the thyroid gland.
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Control and Coordination [Part – 04]
Endocrine System [Hormones]
6. Disorder caused by excess of thyroid hormone.
7. Iodine is necessary for the secretion of which hormone.
8. The master gland of the body, because it controls the activity of other endocrine
gland also.
9. Hormone controls absorption of water from kidney tubules.
10. Hormone secreted by corpus luteum.
Ans. 1. Pancreas; 2. Insulin; 3. Insulin; 4. Diabetes;
5. Thyroxin; 6. Exophthalmic goiter; 7. Thyroxin; 8. Pituitary;
9. ADH or Vasopressin; 10.Progesterone
Ques.31) Give Technical term:
01) What are the substances that control the growth and development in animals?
02) Name the gland in the’body that secretes the so-called ‘Emergency hormone’
03) When your mouth dries up and the heart begins to beat faster, which hormone
brings about the feeling?
04) Name the hormone which prepares the body to face an emergency situation.
05) Name a condition caused due to hypo secretion of thyroxin in adults.
06) Name the blood vessels which transport hormones from the endocrine glands to
the various parts of the body.
07) Name the hormones secreted by the pancreas.
08) The condition which results in the abnormally long bones, long lower jaw bone due
to hyper secretion of pituitary hormone.
09) Name the cells of islets of langerhans in pancreas, which secretes insulin and
glucagon.
10) Name two hormones secreted by the alimentary canal.
11) Name the hormone which maintains glucose level in the blood.
12) What are releasing hormones?
13) Name a hormone which controls developments of male secondary sexual
characters.
14) Name the structure which produces testosterone.
15) The structure which controls the master gland.
16) Name the glands which secrete the following hormones: (a) Progesterone. (b)
Testosterone. (c) ACTH. (d) Relaxin. (e) Adrenaline. (f) Noradrenalin.
17) Name the hormones which lead to the following conditions:
(a) Diabetes mellitus (b) Growth of beard in women (c) Myxedema (d) Gigantism (e)
Exophthalmic goitre.
Ans. 1) Hormones
2) Adrenal gland
3) Adrenaline
4) Adrenaline
5) Myxedema
6) Veins
7) Insulin and glucagon
8) Acromegaly
9) beta - cells and alpha - cells respectively
10) Choleocystokinin and secretin
11) Insulin
12) The hormones secreted by the hypothalamus are called releasing hormones. For
example, TSH-RH, FSH-RH and ACTH-RH.
13) Androgens (Testosterone)
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Endocrine System [Hormones]
14) Testes (Leydig cells)
15) Hypothalamus of the brain
16) (a) Ovary (Corpus luteum) (b) Testes (Leydig cells) (c) Pituitary gland (d) Ovary
(e) Adrenal medulla (f) Adrenal medulla
17) (a) Insulin (b) Androgen (Aldosterone) (c) Thyroxine
(d) Somatotrophic or Growth Hormone (GH) (e) Thyroxine
Ques.32) Choose the Odd One Out
01) Goitre, Cretinism, Scurvy, Myxedema. (Scurvy)
02) Cretinism, Myxedema, Simple goitre, Acromegaly. (Acromegaly)
03) Somatotropin, Gonadotropin releasing hormone, Corticotrophin releasing hormone,
Oxytocin. (Oxytocin)
04) Thyroid gland, Adrenal gland, Pituitary gland, Prostate gland. (Prostate gland)
05) Adrenal, liver, thyroid, pituitary. (Liver)
06) Oestrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, Prolactin. (Prolactin)
07) Oxytocin, Insulin, Prolaction, Progesteron. (Insulin)
08) Growth hormone, TSH, Vasopressin, LH. (Vasopressin)
09) Cushing’s syndrome, Eunuchoidism, Addison’s disease, Virilism. (Eunuchoidism)
10) Aldosterone, Cortisol, Progesterone, Epinephrine. (Progesterone)
11) Testosterone, Epinephrine, Progesterone, Aldosterone. (Epinephrine)
12) Cortisone, Cortisol, Progesterone, Epinephrine. (Progesterone)
13) Insulin, Glucagon, Diabetes insipidus, Diabetes mellitus. (Diabetes insipidus)
14) Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids, Corticotrophin, Sex corticoids. (Corticotrophin)
15) FSH, ICSH, Prolactin, LH. (Prolactin)
16) Insulin, blood sugar, adrenaline, thyroxine. (Blood sugar)
Ques.33) Given below is an outline of the human body showing
the important glands.
(i) Name the glands marked 1 to 5.
(ii) Name the hormone secreted by 2. Give one important
function of this hormone.
(iii) Name the endocrine gland present in part 4.
(iv) Name the hormone secreted by part 3. Give one
important function of this hormone.
Ans. (i) 1. Pituitary. 2. Thyroid. 3. Adrenal. 4. Pancreas. 5. Ovary.
(ii) Thyroxine. It regulates the basal metabolism.
(iii) Islets of Langerhans.
(iv) Adrenalin. It prepares the body for some emergency by
causing production of glucose from glycogen in liver and releasing it
into blood.
Ques.34) “The thyroid gland is called as nature gland.” Why?
Ans. The thyroid gland is also called as nature gland because it secretes thyroxin hormone
which is mainly responsible for the normal behaviour of human beings. In adequate supply of
hormones human behaviour remains normal. In case of excess supply of hormones in the blood
there are increased metabolic activities, raised nervous excitability and increased physical
activity accompanied by fatigue and loss of weight.
Ques.35) “Organs like the stomach and intestine are also endocrine glands.” Why?
Ans. The mucous lining of the stomach and intestine produce certain hormones which regulate
the secretion and flow of certain digestive juices. So these are endocrine glands.
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