Biology 30 - Unit 1 Booklet 3: The Endocrine System (Terms)

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain its internal environment despite drastic external environment changes

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism whereby an increase in some substance or condition inhibits the process, leading to a decrease in said substance or action

Hormone

A chemical regulator produced in one part of the body that affects cells in another part of the body

Endocrine Gland

A gland that secretes into the blood stream instead of a body cavity

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary targeting the uterus and mammary that stimulates uterine contracts and milk secretion

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone created by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary targeting the kidney that controls water reabsorption

Aldosterone

A hormone released by the adrenal cortex targeting the kidney that reabsorbs sodium and water

hGH (Human Growth Hormone)

A hormone released by the anterior pituitary targeting the general body that stimulates body growth

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone released by the anterior pituitary targeting the thyroid that stimulates the release of thyroxine from the thyroid

Thyroxine

A hormone released by the thyroid targeting the general body that stimulates metabolism

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)

A hormone released by the anterior pituitary targeting the adrenal cortex that stimulates the long-term stress hormone cortisol

Cortisol

A hormone released by the adrenal cortex targeting the general body that stimulates energy release due to long-term stress

Epinepherine

A hormone released by the adrenal medulla targeting the liver and muscles that stimulates glucose release for short-term stress

Prolactin

A hormone released by the anterior pituitary targeting the mammary that stimulates milk secretion and release

FSH (Follicule Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone released by the anterior pituitary targeting the ovaries and testes that stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicle in biosex females and the production of sperm in biosex males

LH (Lutenizing Hormone)

A hormone released by the anterior pituitary targeting the ovaries and testes that stimulates ovulation and release of progesterone in biosex females and the production of testosterone in biosex males

Insulin

A hormone released by the pancreas (beta cells of islets of Langerhans) targeting the general body that decreases blood glucose levels and stimulates uptake of glucose into cells

Glucagon

A hormone released by the pancreas (alpha cells of islets of Langerhans) targeting the liver and fatty tissues that increases blood glucose levels and stimulates the liver to convert glycogen to glucose

Diabetus Mellitus

A disease occuring when insulin-producing cells within the islets of Langerhans deteriorate, causing inadequate production of insulin

Hyperglycemia

A condition in which blood sugar levels rise sharply following meals due to inadequate levels of insulin

Type 1 Diabetes

Early-onset diabetes caused by early degeneration of the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans, typically caused by an autoimmune or genetic issue

Type 2 Diabetes

Maturity-onset diabetes caused by insulin-producing cells becoming less effective (not disappearing), typically caused by lifestyle or age

Gestational Diabetes

A temporary condition of diabetes that occurs in 2-4% of pregnancies that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in both the mother and child

Hyperthyroidism

Excessive secretion of thyroxine, causing too much metabolism in the body

Hypothyroidism

Low secretion of thyroxine, causing too little metabolism in the body

Calcitonin

A hormone released by the thyroid targeting the bone that decreases blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone breakdown and decreasing calcium uptake in the kidneys and intestines

PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)

A hormone released by the parathyroid targeting the bone that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone breakdown and increasing calcium uptake in the kidneys and intestines

Diabetes Insipitus

A disease occuring when either the posterior pituitary fails to secrete enough ADH or the kidney fails to respond to ADH, causing urine output to increase dramtically