Unit 6 Critical Thinking Questions Anatomy by Kwaku Jr.

1. Compare and contrast positive and negative feedback loops of the endocrine system.
Provide a specific
example of each, including which gland is responsible for the hormone related to that loop.
Positive feedback loops amplify or increase changes, while negative feedback loops counteract or reduce changes.
An example could be a positive feedback loop accelerates a temperature rise, whereas negative feedback slows it
down. The release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland during labor is an example of a positive feedback
mechanism. An example of negative feedback is the regulation of the blood calcium level. The parathyroid glands
secrete parathyroid hormone, which regulates the blood calcium amount. If calcium decreases, the parathyroid
glands sense the decrease and secrete more parathyroid hormone.
2. What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands in terms of both form and function? Why is
one type not considered part of the endocrine system?
The key difference between the 2 types is that exocrine glands secrete substances into a ductal system to an
epithelial surface, whereas endocrine glands secrete products directly into the bloodstream. As for why they’re not
considered part of the endocrine system - There is another type of gland called an exocrine gland (e.g. sweat glands,
lymph nodes). These are not considered part of the endocrine system as they do not produce hormones and they
release their product through a duct..
3. Describe the cascade of events that occurs when blood glucose levels decline, including which organ and
cells respond, which hormones are released, and how the process helps maintain homeostasis. Your
answer should cover all three ways glucose is re-introduced to the body. What is the ultimate use of the
glucose created in this process?
When blood glucose levels decline, several events occur to restore balance:
1. **Detection by Pancreatic Cells**: Specialized cells in the pancreas called alpha cells detect the decrease in blood
glucose levels.
2. **Release of Glucagon**: Upon detection, the pancreas releases the hormone glucagon into the bloodstream.
3. **Stimulation of Liver Cells**: Glucagon stimulates liver cells (hepatocytes) to break down glycogen into glucose
through a process called glycogenolysis. This increases blood glucose levels.
4. **Stimulation of Gluconeogenesis**: Glucagon also stimulates gluconeogenesis, a process where the liver
synthesizes new glucose molecules from non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids and glycerol.
5. **Maintenance of Homeostasis**: The increased glucose production helps maintain blood glucose levels within a
normal range, ensuring a steady supply of energy to cells throughout the body.
The ultimate use of the glucose created in this process is to provide energy for cellular functions, including
metabolism, muscle contraction, and brain function.
4. Why can both type I and type II diabetes, untreated, result in impaired vision or blindness as someone
ages? How does type II diabetes turn into type I diabetes as someone ages?
Both type I and type II diabetes can result in impaired vision or blindness due to high blood sugar damaging blood
vessels in the retina. Age is closely related to type 2 diabetes, traditionally starting after 40 but increasingly
diagnosed in younger obese individuals due to lifestyle factors. Older adults experience a decline in insulin sensitivity,
leading to higher prevalence with age. Lifestyle changes can reverse type 2 diabetes, which accounts for most
diabetes cases.
5. Imagine you have a patient who has come to you and is exhibiting symptoms such as fatigue and
increased thirst and urination. What would you check for to determine whether the patient has Cushing’s,
type I diabetes, or type II diabetes?
fasting glucose test, random glucose test, and A1c test.
In addition, I would do things like: 1. Gather medical history: Start by asking the patient
about their medical history, including any previous diagnoses, medications, or
conditions they have been treated for. This information can help provide valuable context
for their current symptoms.
2. Conduct a physical examination: Perform a thorough physical examination, paying

attention to any specific signs or symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome or
diabetes. This may include checking for signs of weight gain or obesity, changes in skin
appearance or texture, and blood pressure abnormalities.
3. Assess blood glucose levels: Measure the patient's blood glucose levels to determine
if they have diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, blood glucose levels are typically elevated due
to a lack of insulin production. In type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels may also be
elevated, but the underlying cause is related to insulin resistance.

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1. Compare and contrast positive and negative feedback loops of the endocrine system.

fasting glucose test, random glucose test, and A1c test.

2. Conduct a physical examination: Perform a thorough physical examination, paying

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