22

Chemical
Coordination and
Integration
Important Points
1. Chemical coordination and integration in our body depends on
two system.
(i) Nervous coordination
(ii) Chemical coordination
Nervous system is very fast but short lived. Nerve fibres do
not innervate all cells of the body and cellular functions
need to be continuously regulated, which is carried out by
hormones.
2. Hormones are released through endocrine glands. These
gland lacks ducts and known as ductless gland.
(i) These are released into blood stream and transported to
target organ.
(ii) Hormones are non-nutrient chemicals, which acts as
intracellular messengers and produced in trace amount.
(a) PRH Prolactin Releasing Hormone
(b) PRIHProlactin Releasing Inhibiting Hormone.
(c) MSH-RHMelanocyte
Stimulating
Hormone
Releasing Hormone.
(d) MSH-RIHMelanocyte
Stimulating
Hormone
Releasing Inhibiting Hormone.

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Hypothalamus

Pineal gland

Pituitary gland
Thyroid and parathyroid glands

Thymus gland

Pancreas
Adrenal gland

Ovaries (in female)

Testes (in male)

Location of endocrine glands

3. The pituitary or master hypothalamic gland. It is the most

protected gland and lies in a body cavity as hypophysial fossa
(i) Gland has dual origin. It contain two parts
adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis
Pituitary Gland

Adenohypophysis
(anterior pituitary)

Pars
distalis

Pars
tuberallis

Neurohypophysis
(posterior pituitary)

Pars
intermedia

Pars
nervosa

Infundibular
stem

Median
eminence

(ii) Hormone secreted from adenohypophysis (pars distalis)

(a) Growth Hormone (GH).
(b) Prolactin (PRL).
(c) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
(d) Adenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH).
(e) Luteinising Hormone (LH).
(f) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
(pars intermedia) secretes.
(g) Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone.

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(iii) Neurohypophysis (known as posterior pituitary). Two

released hormones are oxytocin and vasopressin
(iv) Over secretion of growth hormone stimulate abnormal body
growth leading to gigantism its low secretion causes
dwarfism.
(v) Prolactin promotes the growth of mammary glands and
formation of milk in them.
4. Hormone producing glands are located in different parts of our
body.
5. Hypothalamus In forebrain basal part of diencephalon
represents hypothalamus. It regulates many body functions.
Hypothalamus produce two types of hormones.
(i) Releasing hormone
(ii) Inhibiting hormone.
These are also called gonadotrophin releasing hormone.
Some hypothalamic hormones are
(a) TRH Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone
(b) ARH Adrenocorticotropin Releasing Hormone
(c) LH-RH Luteinising Hormone Releasing Hormone
(d) FSH-RH Follicle Stimulating Hormone Releasing
Hormone
(e) GH-RIH Stomatostin.
(f) GH-RH Somatotrophin.
(vi) TSH stimulates the synthesis of thyroid hormones from
thyroid gland.
(vii) ACTH acts on adrenal cortex and stimulates the secretion
of glucocorticoids.
(viii) LH and FSH are known as gonadotrophins since, they
stimulates gonadal activity.
(ix) LH stimulates the synthesis and secretion of hormones
from testis called androgens (testosterone).
(x) Spermatogenesis in males is regulated by FSH, while LH
induces ovulation of Graafian follicles and maintains
corpus luteum.
(xi) MSH acts on melanin containing cells called melanocytes.
It regulates pigmentation of the skin.
(xii) Oxytocin acts on smooth muscles of our body and
stimulates their contraction (it induces labour pain)
Contraction of uterus at the time of child birth and milk
ejection from the mammary gland.

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(xii) Vasopressin also known as antidiuretic hormone, which

acts on kidney and stimulates reabsorption of H 2O and
electrolytes by the distal tubules.
6. Pineal gland is located on the dorsal side of forebrain. It
secretes melatonin. It plays a very important role in the
regulation of a 24 hour rhythm or circardian rhythm of our
body.
(i) It maintains sleep wake cycle.
(ii) It also maintains body temperature.
(iii) It influences metabolism, pigmentation, the menstrual
cycle as well as our defense capability.
7. Thyroid gland is situated in neck in front of trachea and
larynx.
(i) It is composed of two lobes one on either side of thyroid
cartilage joined together by a connective tissue isthmus.
(ii) Thyroid gland is composed of follicles and stromal tissues.
(iii) Follicles of cuboidal epithelial cells is enclosed in a cavity.
(iv) These follicles synthesise hormones as mono, di, tri and
tetra iodothyxonin or thyroxine.
(v) Main function of thyroid gland is energy production,
oxygen uptake and BMR increase.
(vi) It increases heart rate.
(vii) Iodine is essential for the normal rate of hormone synthesis
in the thyroid.
(viii) Deficiency of iodine in our diet results into hypothyroidism
causing enlargement of thyroid gland, known as goitre.
(ix) Hypothyroidism causes menstrual cycle to become
irregular. In pregnant ladies it may lead to defective
development two maturation of body, mental retardation,
low intelligence quotient, abnormal skin.
(x) Hyperthyroidism is abnormal development of nodules of
the thyroid gland. Rate of synthesis and secretion of
thyroid hormones leads to abnormal level.
(xi) It also secretes thyrocalcitonin, which maintain blood
calcium levels.

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Vocal
cord

Thyroid
Trachea

Parathyroid
glands

(a)

(b)

Diagrammatic view of the position of thyroid and parathyroid

(a) Ventral side (b) Dorsal side

8. Parathyroid gland is present as four small pouches. Present on

the back side of thyroid gland. Two each embedded in the
posterior surface of each lobe of thyroid gland.
(i) It secretes peptide hormone called parathyroid hormone
(PTH).
(ii) It increases the Ca 2+ levels in blood.
(iii) It acts directly on bones to increase bone resorption and
mebilises Ca 2+ ion.
(iv) It stimulates the reabsorption of Ca 2+ ion by renal tubule
and increase Ca 2+ absorption from the digested food. It is
known as hypercalcemic hormone.
9. Thymus gland in endodermal in origin and developed from
epithelium of outer part of 3rd gill pouch or epithelium of gill
cleft. It is a lobular structure present on dorsal side of heart
and aorta.
(i) It plays an important role in development of immune
system. It provides cell mediated immunity and plays
major role in differentiation of T-lymphocytes.
(ii) As the age progresses, thymus is degenerated in old
persons and resulting in a decreased production of
thymosins.
10. There are two adrenal glands situated on the upper pole of
each kidney enclosed within renal fascia. It is composed of two
type of tissues, i.e., adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex.

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(i) Adrenal medulla is surrounded by cortex. It is stimulated

by extensive sympathetic nervous system. It produces
adrenaline or epinephrine and noradrenaline or
non-epinephrine.
(ii) These hormones are also known as catecholamines.
(iii) Adrenaline and noradrenaline are known as
emergency hormone, or hormones of fight or flight.
Since, these are secreted in response to stress condition.
(iv) The hormones
(a) increase alertness
(b) dialates pupil
(c) causes pilo erection
(d) causes sweating
(v) Noradrenaline causes general vasoconstriction.
(vi) Adrenal cortex is divided into three layers.
(a) zona reticularis (inner layer).
(b) zona fasciculata (middle layer)
(c) zona glomerulosa (outer layer)
(vii) Adrenal cortex secretes
(a) glucocorticoids
(b) Mineral corticaids
(viii) Glucocorticoids stimulates
(a) gluconeogenesis
(b) lipolysis and proteolysis
(c) RBC production
(ix) Cortisol is glucocorticoid, which regulates cardiovascular
system and kidney functions. It produces anti-inflammatory response and suppress the immune system.
(x) Mineral corticoid aldosterone acts on the DCT and
stimulates the reabsorption of Na + and H 2O. It helps in
maintaining the electrolytic balance, body fluid volume
osmotic pressure and blood pressure.
Adrenal gland

Adrenal cortex

Fat

Kidney
(a)

Adrenal
medulla
(b)

Diagrammatic representation of (a) Adrenal gland above kidney

(b) section showing two parts of adrenal gland

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11. Pancreas is a composite gland, which acts as both exocrine

and endocrine gland. Its about 15cm in length. 2.5 cm width
and 85 gms weight, which lies close to duodenum.
(i) Exocrine part includes acini, which secretes pancreatic
juice.
(ii) Endocrine part consist of islet of Langerhans. The two
main type of Langerhan cells are
(a) -cells
(b) -cells
(iii) -cells secrete glycagon a peptide hormone, which plays an
important role in maintaining blood glucose level.
(a) It acts on hepatocytes (liver cells) and stimulates
glycogenolysis, i.e., breakdown of glucose.
(b) It results in increased blood sugar level, i.e., hyper
glycemia.
(c) Also known as hyperglycemic hormone and reduces
the cellular glucose uptake.
(iv) -cells secrete insulin which acts on hepatocytes and
adipocytes and enhances cellular glucose uptake
(a) It converts glucose into glycogen known as
glycogenesis.
(b) Rapid movement of glucose from blood to hepatocytes
results in hypoglycmic condition.
(c) Increased concentration of glucose in blood leads to
hyperglycemic condition called diabetes mellitus. It
is associated with the loss of glucose through urine
and formation of harmful ketone bodies.
12. In male individuals a pair of testis is present in the scrotal
sac. It is primary sex organ and functions as endocrine gland
also.
(i) It is composed of seminiferous tubules, stromal/intestial
tissue Leydig cells.
(ii) Leydig cells are present in intertubular spaces and produce
sex hormones called androgens mainly testosterone.
(iii) Androgens mainly testosterone plays an important role in
the process of spermatogenesis (i.e., formation of
spermatozoa.
(iv) It regulates the development, maturation and functions of
male accessory sex organs like epididymis, vas deferens,
seminal vesicle, prostate gland, urethra, etc.
(v) This hormone also stimulates secondary sex characteristics
like muscular growth, growth of facial and axillary hair
aggressiveness low pitch of veice, etc.

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(vi) It acts on the central nervous system and influence male

sexual behaviour (libido). These hormones also produce
anabolic (synthetic) effects on protein and carbohydrate
metabolism.
13. Ovary is the primary female sex organ located in the abdomen.
It also act as exocrine gland by synthesising two groups of
steroid hormone oestrogen and progesterone.
(i) Each ovary produces one ovum during each menstrual
cycle
(ii) It is composed of ovarian follicles and stromal tissues.
(iii) Growing ovarian follicle secretes oestrogen. It stimulates
the growth of
(a) female secondary sex organs
(b) mammary gland development
(c) it regulates female sexual behaviour.
(d) it stimulates female secondary sex characters.
(iv) Progesterone is secreted by corpus luteum, which is a
ruptured follicle.
(v) Progesterone supports pregnancy. It acts on the mammary
gland and stimulates the formation of alveoli and milk
secretion.
14. Hormones are also secreted by some tissues, which are not the
endocrine glands.
(i) Atrial wall of heart secretes a very important peptide
hormone called. ANF (Atrial Natriuretic Factor). It
decreases blood pressure by causing dilation of blood
vessels.
(ii) Erythropoietin is a peptide hormone secreted by the
juxtaglomerular cells of kidney and stimulates
erythropoiesis (i.e., formation of RBC).
(iii) Major peptide hormone are secreted by the gastrointestinal
tract
(a) gastrin
(b) secretin
(c) cholecystokinin (CCK)
(d) gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP).
(a) gastrin acts on the gastric gland and stimulates the
secretion of HCl and pepsinogen.
(b) secretin acts on pancreas and stimulates the secretion
of water and bicarbonate ion.

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(c) CCK (cholecystokinin acts on both pancreas and gall

bladder. It stimulates the secretion of pancreatic
enzyme and bile juice.
(d) Gastric Inhibitory Peptide (GIP) Inhibits the gastric
secretion.
15. Hormone are transported through the blood stream and
produces their effects on the target tissues.
(i) They bind to target tissue through hormone receptor
located in the target tissue. These receptors may be
(a) intracellular receptor
(b) nuclear receptor
(c) membrane bound receptor
(ii) When hormone binds to receptor they form hormone
receptor complex.
(iii) Each hormone is specific for specific hormone.
(iv) Formation
of
hormone-receptor
complex
causes
downstream biochemical changes and effects target tissue
metabolism.
(v) On the basis of chemical nature, hormones are divided into
groups
(a) peptide, polypeptide, protein hormone (insulin,
glycogen, etc).
(b) Steroids (testosterone, cortisol, etc).
(c) Iodothyronins (thyroid hormone).
(d) Amino acid derivatives (e.g., epinephrine).

Exercises
Question 1. Define the following

(a) Exocrine gland

(c) Hormone

(b) Endocrine gland

Answer
(a) Exocrine Gland It is a gland that pours its secretion on the surface
or into a particular region by means of ducts for performic a
metabolic activity, e.g., sebaceous glands, sweat glands, salivary
glands, etc.
(b) Endocrine Gland It is a gland that pours its secretion into blood or
lymph for reaching the target organ because the gland is not
connected with the target organ by any duct. It is also known as
ductless gland.
(c) Hormone Hormones are non-nutrient chemicals which act as
intercellular messengers and are produced in trace amount.

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Question 2. Diagrammatically indicate the location of the various

endocrine glands in our body.

Answer

Pineal gland

Pituitary gland

Thyroid gland
Thymus gland

Adrenal gland
Pancreas

Ovary
Testis

Endocrine glands in human body

Question 3. List the hormones secreted by the following

(a) Hypothalamus
(d) Parathyroid
(g) Testis
(j) Atrium

(b) Pituitary
(e) Adrenal
(h) Ovary
(k) Kidney

(c) Thyroid
(f) Pancreas
(i) Thymus
(l) GI Tract

Answer
(a) Hypothalamus
(i) Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH)
(ii) Adrenocorticotropin releasing hormone
(iii) Gonadotropin releasing hormone
(iv) Somatotropin releasing hormone
(v) Prolactin releasing hormone
(vi) Melanocyte stimulating hormone releasing hormone (MSH-RH).

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(b) (i) Pars distalis part of pituitary (anterior pituitary)

Growth Hormone (GH)

Prolactin (PRL)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)

Luteinising Hormone (LH)

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

(ii) Pars intermedia Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

(iii) Pars nervosa
(a) Oxytocin

(b) Vasopressin

(c) Thyroid Thyroxine (T 4) and Triiodothyronine (T 3)

(d) Parathyroid
(e) Adrenal

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH).

(i) Adrenal medulla secretes

(a) Adrenaline (b) Noradrenaline

These are two commonly called as catecholamines.

(ii) Adrenal cortex secretes corticoids (glucocorticoid and mineralo
corticoid).
(f) Pancreas The -cells secrete a hormone called glucagon, while the
-cells secrete insulin.
(g) Testis Androgens mainly testosterone.
(h) Ovary Oestrogen and progesterone.
(i) Thymus Thymosins.
(j) Atrium Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF).
(k) Kidney Erythropoietin
(l) GI Tract Gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK) and Gastric
Inhibitory Peptide (GIP).

Question 4. Fill in the blanks

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

Hormones
Target gland
Hypothalamic hormones .
Thyrotrophin (TSH) .
Corticotrophin (ACTH) .
Gonadotrophins (LH, FSH) .
Melanotrophin (MSH) .

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Hormones

Target gland

(a) Hypothalamic hormones

Pituitary gland

(b) Thyrotrophin (TSH)

Thyroid gland

(c) Corticotrophin (ACTH)

Adrenal glands

(d) Gonadotrophins (LH, FSH)

Testis and ovary

(e) Melanotrophin (MSH)

Hypothalamus

Question 5. Write short notes on the functions of the following

hormones
(a) Parathyroid hormone (PTH) (b) Thyroid hormones
(c) Thymosins
(d) Androgens
(e) Oestrogen
(f) Insulin and Glucagon
Answer

Functions of the following hormones are as follows

(a) Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) The parathyroid glands secrete a

peptide hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH acts on
bones and stimulates the process of bone resorption (dissolution/
demineralisation). PTH also stimulates reabsorption of Ca 2+ by the
renal tubules and increases Ca 2+ absorption from the digested food.
It plays a significant role in calcium balance in the body.
(b) Thyroid Hormones Thyroid hormones play an important role in the
regulation of the basal metabolic rate. These hormones also support
the process of red blood cell formation. Thyroid hormones control the
metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The Maintenance of
water and electrolyte balance is also influenced by thyroid hormones.
Thyroid gland also secretes a protein hormone called thyrocalcitonin
(TCT), which regulates the blood calcium levels.
(c) Thymosins This thymus gland secretes the peptide hormones
called thymosins. Thymosins play a major role in the differentiation of
T-lymphocytes, which provide cell-mediated immunity. In addition,
thymosins also promote production of antibodies to provide humoral
immunity.
(d) Androgens Androgens regulate the development, maturation and
functions of the male accessory sex organs like epididymis, vas
deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, urethra, etc. These
hormones stimulate muscular growth, growth of facial and axillary
hair, aggressiveness, low pitch of voice, etc. Androgens play a major
stimulatory role in the process of spermatogenesis (formation of
spermatozoa), influence the male sexual behaviour (libido).
(e) Oestrogens Oestrogens produce wide ranging actions such as
stimulation of growth and activities of female secondary sex organs,

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development of growing ovarian follicles, appearance of female

secondary sex characters (e.g., high pitch of voice, etc.), mammary
gland development. Oestrogens also regulate female sexual
behaviour.
(f) Insulin and Glucagon Glucagon acts mainly on the liver cells
(hepatocytes) and stimulates glycogenolysis resulting in an
increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia). In addition, this hormone
stimulates the process of gluconeogenesis, which also contributes to
hyperglycemia. Glucagon reduces the cellular glucose uptake and
utilisation.
Insulin is a peptide hormone, which plays a major role in the
regulation of glucose homeostasis. Insulin acts mainly on
hepatocytes and adipocytes and enhances cellular glucose uptake
and utilisation. Insulin also stimulates conversion of glucose to
glycogen (glycogenesis) in the target cells. The glucose homeostasis
in blood is thus maintained jointly by the two insulin and glucagons.

Question 6. Give example(s) of

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

Hyperglycemic hormone and hypoglycemic hormone

Hypercalcemic hormone
Gonadotrophic hormones
Progestational hormone
Blood pressure lowering hormone
Androgens and oestrogens

Answer
(a) Glucagon and insulin respectively
(b) Parathyroid hormone
(c) Follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormones
(d) Progesterone
(e) Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF)
(f) Androgens
oestrogen

are

mainly

testosterone

and

oestrogens

include

Question 7. Which hormonal deficiency is responsible for the

following
(a) Diabetes mellitus
Answer

(b) Goitre

(c) Cretinism

(a) Diabetes mellitus is due to deficiency of insulin.

(b) Goitre is due to deficiency of thyroxine (T 4) and triiodothyronine (T 3).

(c) Cretinism is due to deficiency of thyroxine hormone.

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Question 8. Briefly mention the mechanism of action of FSH.

Answer Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) In males, FSH and
androgens regulate spermatogenesis. FSH stimulates growth and
development of the ovarian follicles in females. It stimulate the secretion of
estrogens in ovaries.

Question 9. Match the following columns.

Column I
A.
B.
C.
D.

T4
PTH
GnRH
LH

Column II
1.
2.
3.
4.

Hypothalamus
Thyroid
Pituitary
Parathyroid

2.
4.
1.
3.

Thyroid
Parathyroid
Hypothalamus
Pituitary

Answer
Column I
A.
B.
C.
D.

T4
PTH
GnRH
LH

Column II

Selected NCERT Exemplar Problems

Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. There are many endocrine glands in human body. Name
the glands which is absent in male and the one absent in female.
Answer The glands, which are absent in male are ovary and the which
are absent in female are testis.

Question 2. Which of the two adrenocortical layers, zona

glomerulosa and zona reticularis lies outside enveloping the other?

Answer Zona glomerulosa (outer layer) envelopes zona reticularis (inner
layer) from the outside.

Question 3. What is erythropoiesis? Which hormone stimulates it?

Answer Erythropoiesis is the process of formation of RBCs. The
juxtaglomerular cells of kidney produce a peptide hormone called
erythropoietin which stimulates it.

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Question 4. Name the only hormone secreted by pars intermedia of

the pituitary gland.
Answer

Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH).

Question 5. Name the endocrine gland that produces calcitonin and

mention the role played by this hormone.

Answer Calcitonin (CT) or Thyrocalcitonin hormone is produced by
thyroid glands. It is hypocalcemic and hypophosphatemic peptide
hormone, which checks excess plasms Ca 2+ and phosphate by decreasing
mobilisation from bones. Deficiency of calcitonin results in osteoporosis or
loss of bone density (due to dissolution of parathormone).

Question 6. Name the hormone that helps in cell-mediated

immunity.
Answer

Thymosin.

Question 7. What is the role of second messenger in the mechanism

of protein hormone action?

Answer Hormones which do not the enter the target cells, but generate
second messengers (e.g., cAMP) on the inner side of the plasma
membrane. The second messenger, in turn, carries out all the hormonal
functions.

Question 8. State whether true or false

(a) Gastrointestinal tract, kidney and heart also produce

hormones.
(b) Pars distalis produces six trophic hormones.
(c) B-lymphocytes provide cell-mediated immunity.
(d) Insulin resistance results in a disease called diabetes mellitus.
Answer

(a)True (b) True (c) True (d) False

Question 9. A patient complains of constant thirst, excessive passing

of urine and low blood pressure. When the doctor checked the
patients blood glucose and blood insulin level, the level were normal
or slightly low. The doctor diagnosed the condition as diabetes
insupidus. But he decided to measure one more hormone in patients
blood. Which hormone does the doctor intend to measure?
Answer

Glucogen.

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Question 10. Correct the following statements by replacing the term

underlined.
(a) Insulin is a steroid hormone.
(b) TSH is secreted from the corpus luteum.
(c) Tetraiodothyronine is an emergency hormone.
(d) The pineal gland is located on the anterior part of the kidney.
Answer
(a) Insulin is a proteinaceous hormone.
(b) TSH is secreted from the thyroid glands.
(c) Adrenaline is an emergency hormone.
(d) The pineal gland is located on the dorsal side of the forebrain.

Question 11. Rearrange the following hormones in column I so as to

match with their chemical nature in column II.

Column I
A.
B.
C.
D.

Oxytocin
Epinephrine
Progesterone
Growth hormone

Column II
1.
2.
3.
4.

Amino acid derivative

Steroid
Protein
Peptide

1.
2.
3.
4.

Protein
Steroid
Peptide
Amino acid derivative

Answer
Column I
A.
B.
C.
D.

Oxytocin
Epinephrine
Progesterone
Growth hormone

Column II

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What is the role-played by luteinising hormones in

males and females respectively?

Answer LH stimulates the synthesis and secretion of androgens called
male hormones. In females, LH is essential for ovulation.
In females, LH induces ovulation of fully mature follicles (Graafian follicle)
and maintains the corpus luteum formed from the remanants of the Graafian
follicle after ovulation.

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Question 2. What is the role of second messenger in hormone action?

Answer Hormones which do not the enter the target cells, interact with
specific receptors located on the surface of the target cell membranes and
generates second messengers (e.g., cAMP) on the inner side of the plasma
membrane. The second messenger, in turn, carries out all the hormonal
functions.

Question 3. On an educational trip to Uttaranchal, Ketki and her

friends observe that many local people were having swollen necks.
Please help Ketki and her friends to find out the solutions to the
following questions.
(a) Which probable disease are these people suffering from?
(b) How is it caused?
(c) What effect does this condition have on pregnancy?
Answer
(a) People with swollen necks are suffering from goitre.
(b) It is caused due to the deficiency of iodine in diet. Iodine is essential
for the normal rate of hormone synthesis in the thyroid.
Tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine (T 4) and tridothyronine (T 3).
(c) Hypothyroidism during pregnancy causes defective development an
maturation of the growing baby leading to
(i) stunted growth
(ii) mental retardation
(iii) low IQ
(iv) abnormal skin
(v) deafmutism.

Question 4. George comes on a vacation to India from US. The long

journey disturbs his biological system and he suffers from jet lag.
What is the cause of his discomfort?
Answer Jet lag is caused by the disruption of the body clock as it is out of
synchronisation with the unfamiliar time zone of the destination. The body
experiences different patterns of light and dark than it is normally used to,
which disrupts the natural sleep-wake cycle.
Melatonin is a hormone that plays a key role in body rhythms and jet lag.
After the sun sets, the eyes perceive darkness and alert the hypothalamus
to begin releasing melatonin, which promotes sleep. Conversely, when the
eyes perceive sunlight, they tell the hypothalamus to withhold melatonin
production. However, the hypothalamus cannot readjust its schedule
instantly; it takes several days.

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Question 5. Inflammatory responses can be controlled by a certain

steroid. Name the steroid, its source and also its other important
functions.
Answer Inflammatory responses are controlled by steroid hormones
called glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids are secreted by adrenal cortex. Its
other functions are to stimulate gluconeogenesis, lipolysis and proteolysis;
and inhibit cellular uptake and utilisation of amino acids.

Question 6. Old people have weak immune system. What could be

the reason?
Answer Thymus is degenerated in old individuals resulting in a
decreased production of thymosins. As a result, the immune responses of
old persons become weak.

Question 7. What are the effects of hypothyroidism (observed during

pregnancy) on the development and maturation of a growing baby?
Answer Hypothyroidism
during
pregnancy
causes
defective
development and maturation of the growing baby leading to stunted growth
(cretinism), mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, abnormal skin,
deafmutism, etc.

Question 8. Mention the difference between hypothyroidism and

hyperthyroidism.
Answer

Hypothyroidism It is a low secretion of thyroxine hormone.

Hyperthyrodism It is over secretion of thyroid hormones. It occurs due to

cancer of the thyroid gland.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. A milkman is very upset one morning as his cow refuses
to give any milk. The milkman's wife gets the calf from the shed. On
fondling by the calf, the cow gave sufficient milk. Describe the role of
endocrine gland and pathway associated with this response?
Answer Sucking by the calf creats a neuroendocrine reflex which results
in increase of oxytocin from the neurohypophysis. Oxytocin brings about
contraction of smooth muscle of the udder resulting in milk flow. A direct
intra-udder junction of oxytocin like hormone would do the same function.
It is summerised as follows:
Udder (suckling stimulus) Brain (hypothalamus) Neurohypophysis
Blood (oxytocin Udder (smooth muscle) Milk flow.

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Question 2. A sample of urine was diagnosed to contain high

content of glucose and ketone bodies. Based on this observation,

answer the following
(a) Which endocrine gland and hormone is related to this
condition?
(b) Name the cells on which this hormone acts.
(c) What is the condition called and how can it be rectified?
Answer
(a) Pancreas gland and insulin hormone is related to this condition.
(b) The B-cells of islets of Langerhans of pancreas.
(c) Prolonged hyperglycemia leads to a complex disorder called
diabetes mellitus, which is associated with loss of glucose through
urine and formation of harmful compounds known as ketone bodies.
Diabetic patients are successfully treated with insulin therapy.

Question 3. Calcium plays a very important role in the formation of

bones. Write on the role of endocrine glands and hormones

responsible for maintaining calcium homeostasis.
Answer The secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulated the
concentration of calcium ions.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases the Ca 2+ levels in the blood. PTH
acts on bones and stimulates the process of bone resorption (dissolution/
demineralisation). PTH also stimulates reabsorption of Ca 2+ by the renal
tubules and increases Ca 2+ absorption from the digested food. It is, thus,
clear that PTH is a hypercalcemic hormone, i.e., it increases the blood Ca 2+
levels. Along with TCT, it plays a significant role in calcium balance in the
body.

Question 4. Hypothalamus is a super master endocrine gland.

Elaborate.
Answer The Hypothalamus regulates a wide spectrum of body functions.
It contains several groups of neurosecretory cells called nuclei, which
produce hormones. These hormones regulate the synthesis and secretion
of pituitary hormones. However, the hormones produced by hypothalamus
are of two types, the releasing hormones (which stimulate secretion of
pituitary hormones) and the inhibiting hormones (which inhibit secretions of
pituitary hormones).
The hormones reach the pituitary gland thrugh a portal circulatory system
and regulate the functions of the anterior pituitary. The posterior pituitary is
under the direct regulation of hypothalamus. The oxytocin and vasopressin
two hormones synthesised by hypothalamus are transported to posterior
pituitary.

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Question 5. Illustrate the differences between the mechanism of

action of a protein and a steroid hormone.

Answer Differences between mechanism of action of a protein and a
steroid hormone
S.N. Protein Hormone
1. Protein hormone interact with
membrane bound receptors.
2. They generate second
messengers (cyclic AMP, IP 3,
Ca 2 + , etc)
3. The second messengers
regulate cellular metabolism.

Steroid Hormone
These interact with intracellular receptors.
They regulate gene expression or chromosome
function by the interaction of hormone-receptor
complex with the genome.
Cumulative biochemical action of hormone receptor complex result in physiological and
developmented effects.
Hormone (e.g., FSH)
Receptor

Ovarian
cell membrane

Response 1
(Generation of second messenger)
(Cyclic AMP or Ca2+)
Biochemical responses
Physiological responses
(e.g., ovarian growth)
(a)

Uterine cell membrane

Hormone
(e.g., oestrogen)

Nucleus
Genome
Receptor-hormone
complex

Proteins

(b)

Physiological responses
(Tissue growth and differentiation)

Diagrammatic representation of the mechanism of hormone action

(a) Protein hormone (b) Steroid hormone