Endocrinology

In chapter 11 we learned about hormones and secretion and actions of hormones and glands. Hormone production in the body is very important. If someone has a deficiency or an abnormality in hormone production it will effect weight gain, weight loss, metabolism, body temperature, insulin production and all of these problems can lead to disease or illness which will effect ones life and functional ability in a major way.

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Hormones are regulatory molecules that are secreted into the blood by endocrine glands. Chemical categories of hormones include steroids, amines, polypeptides, and glycoproteins. Interactions between the various hormones produce effects that may be classified as synergistic, permissive or antagonistic. The way hormones act on their target cell depends on the chemical nature of the hormones. Nonpolar hormones can easily pass through the plasma membranes, and so bind to receptor proteins with their target cells. These are nuclear receptors, which work by monitoring gene expression. Polar hormones can not pass through the plasma membrane so instead they bind to receptors. Intracellular mediators of the hormone's action can be called second messengers.

The pituitary gland is made up of the anterior and posterior pituitary. The posterior pituitary stores and release hormones that are actually produced by the hypothalamus. The anterior pituitary produces and secretes its own hormones. The anterior pituitary however is regulated by hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, as well as by feedback from the target gland hormones. The hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary are called trophic hormones. Trophic means attracted to. The anterior pituitary hormones is GH- growth hormone. Growth Hormone promotes the movement of amino acids into cells and the incorporation of these amino acids into proteins, and promoting overall tissue and organ growth. The posterior pituitary hormone is oxytocin. Oxytocin in females, oxytocin stimulates contractions of the uterus during labor and for this reason is needed for parturition.

__**Personal Application of information**__ This chapter is very important. Hormones are not to be messed with. Hormones control every aspect of your body and when you mess with one you mess with the chain. When I was a personal trainer we had clients that were athletes and some would use GH or a type of steroid and their are many negative effects from putting hormones into the body that are not meant to be there. This will be applicable in the field of PTA when working with older woman who have gone through menopause who may be taking supplements or are lacking in the hormones that their body needs. This can cause changes in health, energy levels and body functions. It is also a cause of osteoporosis which can be dangerous when stretching or strengthening these clients.

The references I used for this page are the previous websites I have cited and the textbook. Human Physiology by Stuart Ira Fox