Humoral stimulus

Definition

A humoral stimulus triggers hormone release in response to changes in blood levels of certain ions and nutrients. This mechanism helps maintain homeostasis by adjusting hormone levels based on the body's immediate needs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Humoral stimuli involve the direct monitoring of blood chemistry, such as glucose or calcium levels, to regulate hormone secretion.
2. An example of a humoral stimulus is the release of insulin from the pancreas when blood glucose levels rise.
3. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released in response to low blood calcium levels, demonstrating another humoral control mechanism.
4. This type of stimulus is one of the three main ways endocrine glands are activated, alongside neural and hormonal stimuli.
5. Humoral stimuli are crucial for quick responses to metabolic changes, ensuring that essential processes like glucose uptake and calcium regulation occur efficiently.

Review Questions

• What type of stimulus occurs when hormones are released due to changes in blood nutrient or ion levels?
• Can you name an example of a hormone that is regulated through a humoral stimulus?
• How does a humoral stimulus contribute to maintaining homeostasis in the body?

Related terms

Neural Stimulus: A stimulus that triggers hormone release through direct nerve signals.

Hormonal Stimulus: A process where hormones stimulate other endocrine glands to release their hormones.

Homeostasis: The maintenance of stable internal conditions within an organism.