Hormones & The Endocrine System

These flashcards cover key concepts related to hormones and the endocrine system, enhancing understanding and preparation for exams.

Hormone

Secreted molecule that circulates throughout the body and stimulates specific target cells.

Endocrine Signaling

Process where endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream, affecting target cells.

Neuroendocrine Signaling

Process where specialized neurons release hormones into the bloodstream.

Polypeptides

Hormones composed of polypeptide chains, such as insulin and growth hormone.

Steroids

Lipid-derived molecules synthesized from cholesterol, including cortisol and testosterone.

Amines

Hormones derived from amino acids, such as epinephrine.

Water-soluble hormones

Hormones that use signal transduction pathways to elicit cellular responses.

Lipid-soluble hormones

Hormones that activate their receptors and directly trigger cellular responses.

Thyroid hormone (T3 and T4)

Stimulates and maintains metabolic processes.

Calcitonin

Hormone that lowers blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Hormone that raises blood calcium levels.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Hormones that raise blood glucose levels and increase metabolic activity.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones that raise blood glucose levels and control inflammation.

Mineralocorticoids

Hormones that promote reabsorption of Na+ and excretion of K+ in kidneys.

Estrogens

Hormones that stimulate uterine lining growth and promote female secondary sex characteristics.

Progesterone

Hormone that promotes uterine lining growth.

Androgens

Hormones that support sperm formation and promote male secondary sex characteristics.

Melatonin

Hormone that regulates biological rhythms.

Oxytocin

Stimulates contraction of the uterus and mammary gland cells.

Vasopressin (ADH)

Promotes retention of water by kidneys.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Stimulates gonads to produce gametes.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Stimulates gonads to produce sex hormones.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids.

Prolactin

Stimulates mammary gland growth and milk synthesis.

Growth hormone (GH)

Stimulates growth and metabolic functions.

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

Affects the color of melanocytes.

Negative feedback

Mechanism that reduces the initial stimulus in endocrine pathways.

Positive feedback

Mechanism that reinforces a stimulus to drive a process to completion.

Hormone cascade

Sequence of hormone releases where one hormone stimulates the production of another.

Thyroid cascade

Hormonal chain triggered by TRH that regulates metabolism and blood pressure.

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland due to low thyroid hormone and elevated TSH.

Hypothyroidism

Condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production.

Hyperthyroidism

Condition characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production.

Hashimoto’s Disease

Autoimmune disorder leading to inflammation and damage of the thyroid.

Gigantism

Condition resulting from hypersecretion of growth hormone in children.

Acromegaly

Condition resulting from hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults.

Dwarfism

Condition resulting from hyposecretion of growth hormone in children.

Parathyroid hormone effects

Increases blood calcium levels.

Calcitonin effect

Inhibits calcium release from bones and enhances calcium excretion.

Adrenal medulla

Inner part of the adrenal gland producing catecholamines during stress.

Adrenal cortex

Outer part of the adrenal gland responsible for producing corticosteroids.

Catecholamines

Hormones from the adrenal medulla that activate fight-or-flight response.

Cushing's syndrome

Condition caused by high cortisol secretion, leading to various symptoms.

Addison's disease

Condition caused by low cortisol and aldosterone secretion.

PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome characterized by high androgen levels and irregular periods.

Hypogonadism

Condition with insufficient hormone production by gonads.

Menopause

Permanent decline of estrogens in females occurring around age 45-55.

Alpha cells (pancreas)

Cells that produce glucagon to raise blood glucose levels.

Beta cells (pancreas)

Cells that produce insulin to lower blood glucose levels.

Diabetes Mellitus

Condition resulting from insufficient insulin production or resistance.

Type 1 diabetes

Autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks beta cells.

Type 2 diabetes

Condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin.

Gestational diabetes

Temporary diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

Insulin function

Lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating glucose uptake.

Glucagon function

Raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Signal transduction pathways

Processes that convert chemical signals into cellular responses.

Homeostasis

Stable equilibrium in biological systems maintained through hormone regulation.

Endocrine glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Exocrine glands

Glands that secrete substances through ducts to outside of the body.

Target cells

Cells that have specific receptors for hormones.

Receptor

Protein on a target cell that binds to a specific hormone.

Hormonal dysregulation

Alterations in hormone levels leading to disordered physiological functions.

Growth hormone dysregulation

An abnormal level of growth hormone causing growth disorders.

Hormone receptors

Proteins that bind hormones and trigger cellular responses.

Biological rhythms

Natural cycles in physiological processes regulated by hormones.

Hormone interaction

Influence of one hormone on the activity of another hormone.

Hormonal antagonism

Interaction where one hormone counteracts the effects of another.

Hormonal synergy

Interaction where two or more hormones work together for a greater effect.

Stress response

Physiological changes elicited by stressors involving hormones.

Epinephrine's effect on metabolism

Increases metabolic rate and blood glucose levels.

Adrenal medulla response to stress

Releases catecholamines during acute stress.

Adrenal cortex response to stress

Releases glucocorticoids during chronic stress.

Hormonal feedback loops

Regulatory loops that maintain hormone levels.

Neuroendocrine coordination

Integration of nervous system and endocrine system functions.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that regulates the endocrine system through hormone release.

Pituitary gland

Endocrine gland that synthesizes and releases various hormones.

Tropic hormones

Hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to release hormones.

Nontropic hormones

Hormones that directly influence target tissues.

Circulating hormones

Hormones that travel through the bloodstream to their target tissues.

Local hormones

Hormones that act on nearby cells without entering the bloodstream.

Hormonal pathways

Pathways through which hormones exert their effects.

Thyroid hormone regulation

Process by which TRH regulates the secretion of thyroid hormones.

Glucagon releases triggered by

Low blood sugar levels to increase glucose availability.

Insulin responses

Facilitates cellular uptake of glucose and promotes glycogen storage.

Hormonal cascades in reproductive function

Sequence of hormone releases regulating reproductive processes.

Hormonal signaling integration

Collaboration between hormone signals for coordinated biological responses.

Thyroid dysregulation effects

Can lead to goiter, hypo/hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto's disease.

Sex hormone interaction

Interaction between sex hormones and other hormonal pathways.

Hormonal influence on growth

Growth hormone and sex hormones regulate body growth and development.

Hormones and homeostasis

Hormones maintain internal stability by regulating various bodily functions.

Medical implications of hormonal disorders

Consequences of imbalances in hormone production and function.

Fasting effects on hormones

Influences insulin and glucagon levels to maintain blood glucose.

Hormone synthesis locations

Various locations including glands and tissues in the body.

Hormonal stimulation for growth

Multiple hormones work together to stimulate growth and metabolism.

Regulatory roles of the endocrine system

Functions to regulate physiological processes through hormone secretion.

Circulatory effects of hormones

Hormones influence blood flow and redistribution of blood during stress.

Feedback inhibitors in hormonal pathways

Mechanisms that prevent overproduction of hormones.

Hormonal roles during development

Hormones are crucial for growth and development processes in organisms.

Role of hypothalamus in feedback regulation

Receives signals and adjusts hormone release from the pituitary.