The Endocrine System Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key organs, glands, hormones, and functions within the endocrine system based on lecture notes.

Endocrine System

The system of glands that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate biological processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and homeostasis.

Gland

An organ in the human or animal body that secretes particular chemical substances (hormones) for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings.

Hormone

Chemical substances that act like messenger molecules in the body, carrying messages to particular organs or tissues through the bloodstream.

Hypothalamus

An organ in the brain that links the endocrine and nervous systems, drives the endocrine system, maintains homeostasis, and regulates body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Pituitary Gland

Located at the base of the brain, it is considered the body's master gland because it secretes hormones that control other endocrine glands and regulate growth, development, and water reabsorption.

Pineal Gland

A gland in the brain responsible for producing melatonin, which plays a major role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle and gonad functioning.

Thyroid Gland

A butterfly-shaped gland that produces calcitonin, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) to regulate the body's energy and metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition characterized by the production of too many thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism

A condition characterized by the production of too few thyroid hormones.

Parathyroid Gland

Glands that secrete parathormone, which is necessary for calcium absorption and controlling calcium and phosphate balance in the body.

Thymus Gland

A gland that controls the production of T-cells (white blood cells) for immune defense and stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormones.

Pancreas

An organ that aids in digesting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.

Adrenal Gland

A gland made up of cortex and medulla portions that produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in response to stress, regulating blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and salt/water balance.

Melatonin

A hormone produced and released by the pineal gland that affects sleep cycles and gonad functioning.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas when blood glucose is too high, prompting the liver to remove glucose from the blood and store it as glycogen.

Glucagon

A hormone released by the pancreas when blood glucose is too low, prompting the liver to break down stored glycogen and release glucose into the blood.

Adrenaline

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that prepares the body for emergency situations and stress responses ("fight or flight").

Cortisol

An anti-stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps manage stress and metabolism.

Testosterone

The male sex hormone produced by the testes that controls growth, male characteristics, and development of the male reproductive system.

Estrogen and Progesterone

Female sex hormones released by the ovaries that regulate the menstrual cycle and control growth and development of the female reproductive system.

Target Cell

A cell that possesses specific receptors for a particular hormone, allowing the hormone to bind and deliver its chemical message.