Hole's Human Anatomy & Physiology (Shier), 12th Edition

Chapter 13: Endocrine System

Hormonal Communication

How do hormones interact with the nervous system? The nervous system provides rapid, short term communication between different body regions. Hormones act more slowly but generally have a longer effect. The two systems frequently interact with one another. The central nervous system can directly release hormones or it can signal tissues throughout the body to release hormones. Hormones can stimulate nervous activity and the release of hormones can also be stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system without any input from the brain.

View the animation below, then complete the quiz to test your knowledge of the concept.


1.	Dehydration is detected by osmoreceptors in the

		A)	hypothalamus.
		B)	anterior pituitary.
		C)	posterior pituitary.
		D)	kidney.
		E)	cerebellum.

2.	Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is released by the

		A)	hypothalamus.
		B)	anterior pituitary.
		C)	posterior pituitary.
		D)	kidney.
		E)	cerebellum.

3.	ADH functions to

		A)	increase urine volume output and cause blood vessel dilation.
		B)	increase urine volume output and cause blood vessel constriction.
		C)	decrease urine volume output and cause blood vessel dilation.
		D)	decrease urine volume output and cause blood vessel constriction.
		E)	decrease urine volume output, but has no effect on blood vessels.

4.	ADH helps to conserve water during dehydration.

		A)	True
		B)	False

5.	ADH travels to its target cells via the bloodstream.

		A)	True
		B)	False