AnP U6 Vocab

Endocrine System

collection of glands that produce hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

hormone

chemical messenger released by glands that regulates body functions

pituitary gland

“master gland” that controls other endocrine glands and produces multiple hormones.

hypothalamus

brain region that connects the nervous system to endocrine system and regulates hormone production.

thyroid gland

gland in neck that regulates metabolism through hormone secretion.

adrenal glands

glands located above the kidneys that produce stress-related hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

pancreas

organ that produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

insulin

hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating sugar uptake into cells.

glucagon

hormone that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating glucose release from liver.

homeostasis

body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

negative feedback loop

process that reduces or stops a response to maintain homeostasis

positive feedback loop

process that amplifies a response, such as contractions during childbirth.

diabetes mellitus

condition caused by inadequate insulin production or improper insulin function.

growth hormone

hormone produced by pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

in females, hormone stimulates ovaries to secrete estrogen. in males, hormone stimulates sperm development in testes.

luteinizing hormone (LH)

stimulates production of testosterone by testes and in females stimulates ovulation.

melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

causes melanocytes in skin to produce more melanin.

prolactin (PRL)

induces milk production in mammary glands.

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

causes thyroid gland to release hormones that increase metabolism and promote nervous and skeletal growth.

pineal gland

secretes melatonin at various levels throughout the day and night, thought to contribute to circadian cycle (wake and sleep).

oxytocin (OXT)

causes smooth muscle contraction of the uterus to induce birth.

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

acts on kidneys, blood vessels, and sweat glands in the skin to reduce water loss throughout the body.

stress response

stimulates adrenal glands to produce hormones that ramp up body activity in the fight-or-flight response.