Question

Which hormone and condition is mismatched? a. growth hormone- acromegaly b. thyroxine-goiter c. parathyroid hormone-tetany d. cortisol-myxedema e. insulin-diabetes

Short answer

Based on the analysis, the mismatched hormone and condition are option \(d. cortisol-myxedema\). Myxedema is related to thyroid function, not cortisol function.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the function of each hormone

Growth hormone (GH) is responsible for growth and development in the body. Thyroxine (T4) regulates metabolism. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is involved in regulating calcium levels in the blood. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps the body respond to stress and inflammation. Insulin controls blood sugar levels.

Associate each hormone with its correct condition

a. Growth hormone (GH) - Acromegaly: Acromegaly is caused by an excess of GH which leads to an abnormal growth of bones in the face, hands, and feet. b. Thyroxine (T4) - Goiter: A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can occur due to insufficient production of T4, leading to an inability to regulate metabolism. c. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) - Tetany: Tetany occurs due to low blood calcium levels, which can be caused by an underactive parathyroid gland that doesn't produce enough PTH to regulate calcium levels. d. Cortisol - Myxedema: Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism, which is a disorder of the thyroid gland and not directly related to cortisol levels. e. Insulin - Diabetes: Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't respond well to it, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Identify the mismatched hormone and condition

Based on the information in Step 2, we can see that the mismatched hormone and condition are option d, cortisol, and myxedema. Myxedema is related to thyroid function, not cortisol function. The correct condition associated with cortisol is Cushing's syndrome, which results from an excess of cortisol in the body. Therefore, the answer is: d. cortisol-myxedema

Key concepts

Hormone Function

Hormones are chemical messengers that play a critical role in regulating various functions in the body. They are secreted by endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream to target organs and tissues. Here are some key functions of hormones:

• Regulating growth and development, like growth hormone, which stimulates growth of bones and tissues.
• Controlling metabolism, such as the role of thyroxine, which influences how the body uses energy.
• Maintaining calcium balance, as done by the parathyroid hormone.
• Managing stress responses, where cortisol is a primary player.
• Balancing blood sugar levels, closely monitored by insulin.

Hormones work in harmony to maintain homeostasis, ensuring that the body's internal environment remains stable and constant. This balance allows for optimal function and health.

Growth Hormone

Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is produced by the pituitary gland and is essential for normal physical growth. This hormone stimulates the growth of cells in almost every part of the body.

GH works primarily by triggering the liver to produce a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays a critical role in bodily growth. Some key functions include:

• Stimulating growth in children and adolescents, influencing height and development.
• Regulating body composition, such as muscle and fat distribution.
• Aiding in bone growth and health.
• Boosting protein production and encouraging fat utilization.

Imbalances in GH levels can lead to conditions such as gigantism or acromegaly, where excess production causes abnormal bone growth in adults. Conversely, insufficient GH can result in stunted growth and development.

Thyroxine

Thyroxine, or T4, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. It influences how the body uses energy, making it vital for healthy physical and mental development.

Thyroxine's primary actions include:

• Increasing the rate of metabolism, which affects how fast or slow the body expends energy.
• Influencing heart rate and temperature regulation.
• Supporting brain development and function.
• Contributing to muscle strength and cholesterol levels.

When thyroxine levels are imbalanced, it can lead to disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. A deficiency, for example, can lead to a goiter as the thyroid becomes enlarged in an effort to produce more hormones, while excess thyroxine can accelerate metabolism excessively.

Parathyroid Hormone

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands, small glands located behind the thyroid. PTH is crucial for maintaining calcium and phosphorus balance in the bloodstream and bones.

The actions of parathyroid hormone include:

• Increasing calcium absorption from the gut.
• Releasing calcium from bones into the bloodstream when needed.
• Reducing phosphate reabsorption in the kidneys, keeping calcium and phosphate levels balanced.
• Enhancing vitamin D activation, which is necessary for calcium absorption.

When PTH levels are too low, it can lead to a condition called hypoparathyroidism, which causes issues like tetany, characterized by muscle cramps and spasms due to low calcium levels. Proper PTH function is hence vital for bone health and overall metabolic function.