Endocrine System Vocabulary Flashcards

A vocabulary set of key terms and definitions covering the endocrine system and its components from the lecture notes.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate body functions.

Exocrine gland

Gland that releases secretions into ducts leading outside the body.

Endocrine gland

Gland that releases hormones directly into the bloodstream; lacks ducts.

Hormone

A chemical produced by a gland that acts on a target organ.

crin/o

Root meaning secrete.

endo-

Prefix meaning within, inner.

logy

Suffix meaning the study of.

acr/o

Root meaning extremities.

adren/o / adrenal/o

Adrenal glands (located on top of the kidneys).

andr/o

Root meaning male.

calc/o

Root meaning calcium.

estr/o

Root meaning female.

glyc/o

Root meaning sugar.

glycos/o

Root meaning sugar.

gonad/o

Root meaning sex glands.

home/o

Root meaning sameness.

kal/i

Root meaning potassium.

natr/o

Root meaning sodium.

ophthalm/o

Root meaning eye.

pancreat/o

Root meaning pancreas.

parathyroid/o

Root meaning parathyroid gland.

pineal/o

Root meaning pineal gland.

pituitar/o

Root meaning pituitary gland.

thym/o

Root meaning thymus.

thyr/o / thyroid/o

Root meaning thyroid gland.

toxic/o

Root meaning poison.

-crine

Suffix meaning to secrete.

-dipsia

Suffix meaning thirst.

-prandial

Suffix meaning relating to a meal.

-tropin

Suffix meaning to stimulate.

Islets of Langerhans

Endocrine cell clusters in the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon.

Insulin

Hormone from pancreatic beta cells that lowers blood glucose.

Glucagon

Hormone from pancreatic alpha cells that raises blood glucose.

Thyroxine (T4)

Thyroid hormone that requires iodine; regulates metabolism.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

Active thyroid hormone requiring iodine; regulates metabolism.

Calcitonin

Thyroid hormone that lowers blood calcium by depositing calcium in bone.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Hormone that raises blood calcium by increasing bone resorption.

Aldosterone

Mineralocorticoid that increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion.

Cortisol

Glucocorticoid that regulates carbohydrates and metabolism.

Androgens

Male sex hormones; include testosterone and derivatives.