Endocrine System Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the endocrine system, its functions, and various associated conditions.

Endocrine System

A system consisting of organs and cells that release hormones to maintain homeostasis in the body.

Hormones

Chemical messengers released by glands that have specific effects on target organs or cells.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that regulate hormone release; mainly negative feedback, where the level of a hormone influences its own secretion.

Lipid Soluble Hormones

Hormones that require a transport protein to travel in the blood; receptors are located inside target cells.

Water Soluble Hormones

Hormones that travel dissolved in blood and bind to receptors on the plasma membrane of target cells.

Permissive Effect

When one hormone is needed for another hormone to effectively bind to its receptor.

Synergistic Effect

When the combined effect of two hormones is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

Antagonistic Effect

When one hormone opposes the action of another hormone or decreases the number of its receptors.

Hypothalamus

A major regulator of the endocrine system that produces releasing and inhibiting hormones.

Pituitary Gland

Known as the master gland; regulates other endocrine glands and has anterior and posterior regions.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland that produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that regulates calcium, magnesium, and phosphate levels in the blood.

Adrenal Glands

Glands located on top of the kidneys that produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and epinephrine.

Insulin

Hormone released by the pancreas that lowers blood sugar levels.

Glucagon

Hormone released by the pancreas that raises blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Mellitus

A condition resulting from insufficient insulin production or response, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Cushing Syndrome

A disorder caused by excessive cortisol production, leading to various health issues.

Addison’s Disease

A disorder resulting from insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone, causing symptoms like low blood pressure and fatigue.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

The body’s response to stress; includes three stages: fight or flight, resistance, and exhaustion.