Endocrine Physiology-Growth Hormone, Calcium Homeostasis
Human Physiology, LSUHSC School of Nursing, Spring 2021
Because this lecture is focussed on two different endocrine systems (growth hormone and the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatic axis & parathyroid hormone/vitamin D/calcitonin and calcium homeostasis) the hour is broken up into two shorter, half hour lectures. While the learning objectives are separate, some material (e.g., long bone cellular anatomy) overlaps between the lectures. Key concept check ins throughout the hour assess students' understanding of learning objectives in real time.
Growth Hormone Learning Objectives
- Explain the different roles of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts, and describe the role of chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and the epiphyseal growth plate in linear bone growth.
- Discuss the factors that control the secretion of growth hormone, and explain the relationship between growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1).
- List the hormones most important to human growth, and describe the roles that each hormone (thyroid hormone, insulin, sex hormones, cortisol) individual plays on growth.
Calcium Regulation & Homeostasis Learning Objectives
- Describe the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). How is this secretion regulated? What stimulates/inhibits this?
- Identify and explain the importance of maintaining extracellular Ca2+ concentration. What role do the kidneys play on Ca2+ regulation? The GI tract?
- Explain how 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is formed, its function, and the relationship between it and parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Representative Qualitative Course Evaluations
"Their lectures were very well organized and designed to reiterate concepts as you go to help students understand the material well. They also made their lectures interesting which was a nice break from just sitting at a computer from home and watching someone read straight from a powerpoint."
"I loved this instructor as well. I enjoyed her effort into making her lectures. She incorporated interactive text questions in her lecture for the students. This was very helpful along with her simple diagrams and subtitles. She is a great instructor."
"Dr. Cucinello was amazing! I barely had to review her topics because she did such a great job of making sure we understood them during lecture. She gave us lots of practice and review questions that helped a lot. I would have loved to have her lecture more."
"I loved this instructor as well. I enjoyed her effort into making her lectures. She incorporated interactive text questions in her lecture for the students. This was very helpful along with her simple diagrams and subtitles. She is a great instructor."
"Dr. Cucinello was amazing! I barely had to review her topics because she did such a great job of making sure we understood them during lecture. She gave us lots of practice and review questions that helped a lot. I would have loved to have her lecture more."