Endocrinology is defined as the study of how chemical messenger molecules, referred to as hormones, influence physiological processes. By definition, a hormone is a signaling molecule that is released into the bloodstream, where the hormone can then travel to distant target cells and tissues within the body. Along with the nervous system, the hormones of the endocrine system provide an important means by which information travels within the body. Test your basic knowledge of the endocrine system by taking this simple quiz.
(1) The smallest increase in plasma osmolarity that leads to an increase in vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone, ADH) secretion from the posterior pituitary is approximately:
(2) The physiologic stimulus/stimuli for vasopressin (also known antidiuretic hormone, ADH) secretion is/are:
(3) The smallest decrease in blood pressure that leads to an increase in vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone, ADH) secretion from the posterior pituitary is approximately:
(4) Increases in plasma concentration of vasopressin (also known antidiuretic hormone, ADH) lead to the following:
(5) An increase in blood pressure leads to a(n) __________ in discharge activity of vasopressin-releasing (i.e., vasopressinergic) hypothalamic magnocellular neurons.