Chapter 38 powerpoints

Vocabulary flashcards covering endocrine glands, hormones, regulatory mechanisms, age changes, assessment signs, diagnostic tests, and key disorders.

Endocrine Gland

A ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Hormone

Chemical messenger produced by endocrine glands that regulates body functions.

Negative Feedback

Regulatory mechanism in which rising hormone levels inhibit further hormone release.

Positive Feedback

Regulatory mechanism in which a hormone’s effects amplify its own release (e.g., oxytocin).

Hypothalamus

Brain region linking nervous and endocrine systems; releases hormones that control the pituitary.

Pituitary Gland

‘Master gland’ beneath the hypothalamus; consists of anterior and posterior lobes.

Anterior Pituitary

Pituitary lobe that secretes TSH, ACTH, GH, prolactin, LH, and FSH.

Posterior Pituitary

Pituitary lobe that stores and releases ADH and oxytocin produced by the hypothalamus.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that triggers thyroid release of T3 and T4.

Prolactin

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates breast milk production.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroids.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Anterior pituitary hormone promoting protein synthesis, metabolism, and skeletal growth.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Gonadotropin that triggers ovulation and sex hormone production; stimulates testosterone in testes.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Gonadotropin that promotes ovarian follicle development and sperm production.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Posterior pituitary hormone that increases water reabsorption and causes vasoconstriction.

Oxytocin

Posterior pituitary hormone causing uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Thyroid Gland

Endocrine gland producing T3, T4, and calcitonin; regulates metabolism and calcium balance.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

Active thyroid hormone influencing energy, heat production, and growth.

Thyroxine (T4)

Thyroid pro-hormone converted to T3; maintains metabolism and development.

Calcitonin

Thyroid hormone that lowers blood calcium by inhibiting bone resorption.

Parathyroid Glands

Four small glands on the thyroid’s posterior; secrete parathyroid hormone.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone that raises blood calcium and lowers phosphate by acting on bone and kidneys.

Adrenal Medulla

Inner adrenal region secreting epinephrine and norepinephrine during stress.

Epinephrine

Catecholamine increasing heart rate, bronchodilation, and glycogen breakdown.

Norepinephrine

Catecholamine causing vasoconstriction and supporting the fight-or-flight response.

Adrenal Cortex

Outer adrenal region producing mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and gonadocorticoids.

Aldosterone

Mineralocorticoid that reabsorbs sodium, excretes potassium, and increases blood volume.

Cortisol

Glucocorticoid that manages stress, suppresses inflammation, and promotes gluconeogenesis.

Gonadocorticoids

Adrenal androgens that are converted to estrogens in females, especially after menopause.

Pancreas

Mixed gland whose islets secrete insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose.

Insulin

Pancreatic beta-cell hormone that lowers blood glucose by moving it into cells.

Glucagon

Pancreatic alpha-cell hormone that raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown.

Gluconeogenesis

Formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, stimulated by cortisol.

Hypercalcemia

Elevated blood calcium level; triggers calcitonin release.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood glucose level; stimulates glucagon release.

Hyperglycemia

High blood glucose level; stimulates insulin release.

Exophthalmos

Protrusion of the eyeballs, often seen in hyperthyroidism.

Moon Face

Rounded facial appearance associated with Cushing syndrome.

Buffalo Hump

Fat pad on the upper back/neck seen in Cushing syndrome.

Stimulation Test

Diagnostic test injecting a substance to provoke hormone secretion and assess gland function.

Suppression Test

Diagnostic test using a substance (e.g., dexamethasone) to inhibit hormone release for evaluation.

Thyroid Function Tests

Laboratory measures of TSH, T3, and T4 to diagnose hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

Urine Specific Gravity

ADH-related measure of urine concentration; normal 1.005–1.030.

Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)

24-hour urine test for catecholamine metabolites to detect pheochromocytoma.

Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)

Blood test reflecting 2–3 months of glucose control; normal <5.7%.

Growth Hormone Decline (Aging)

Age-related drop leading to decreased muscle mass.

Thyroid Hormone Decline (Aging)

Age-related drop causing reduced metabolism and energy.

Insulin Secretion Decline (Aging)

Age-related change leading to impaired glucose tolerance.