Computer Simulation
Introduction
The endocrine system is the second greatest control system of the body and has many effects on the tissues and organs. The thyroid gland, which is a part of the endocrine system, releases a hormone that maintains metabolism. This hormone is thyroxine. Thyroxine production is controlled by thyroid stimulating hormone, which is released by the pituitary gland. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine. In this experiment, the effects of TSH and thyoxine on metabolic rate are investigated.
Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries that helps the uterus to develop. The removal of the ovaries eliminates the source of estrogen and the uterus cannot develop properly. In one of the following experiments, the effect of hormone replacement therapy is investigated.
Insulin regulates blood glucose levels and is produced by the pancreas. When the pancreas does not produce insulin, the cells cannot absorb glucose from the blood. This results in diabetes mellitus type I. In one of the following experiments, the effects of insulin treatment are investigated for type I diabetes.
Hypothesis
Experiment 1: Determining Baseline Metabolic Rates I hypothesize that the metabolic rate will be greater for the normal rate, then the thyroidectomized rat. The hypox rate will have the lowest metabolic rate.
Experiment 2: Determining the Effect of Thyroxine on Metabolic Rate I hypothesize that metabolic rate will increase with the injection of thyroxine.
Experiment 3: Determining the Effect of TSH on Metabolic Rate I hypothesize that the injection of TSH will increase the metabolic rate of the all the rats except for the thyroidectomized rat.
Experiment 5: Hormone Replacement Therapy I hypothesize that the rat receiving estrogen injections will have heavier more developed uterine tissue.
Experiment 7: Comparing Glucose Levels Before and After Insulin
References: Marieb, Elain (2006). Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory Manual. 8th ed. Pearson Education, Inc. Zao, Peter (2006). PhysioEx Version 6.0