Endocrine System and Homeostasis

VOCABULARY flashcards covering the anatomy, hormones, functions, and medical terms associated with the Endocrine System based on the lecture notes.

Endocrine System

A system made up of ductless glands and the hormones they produce to regulate vital functions and maintain homeostasis.

Homeostasis

The state of dynamic equilibrium used to keep the body's internal environment stable and healthy.

Hormones

Chemicals within the body that regulate growth, development, mood, tissue function, metabolism, and sexual function.

Hypothalamus

The primary link between the nerve and hormone systems that controls the pituitary gland by producing chemicals that stimulate or suppress secretions.

Pituitary Gland

Known as the "Master Gland," it is a small, pea-sized gray gland at the base of the brain that regulates other endocrine glands.

Adenohypophysis

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland responsible for hormones regulating the growth and development of bones, muscles, organs, sex glands, thyroid, and adrenal cortex.

Neurohypophysis

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that secretes Antidiuretic (ADH)/vasopressin and Oxytocin.

Antidiuretic (ADH)

A hormone that stimulates the reabsorption of water by the kidney; hyposecretion leads to diabetes insipidus.

Oxytocin

Known as the "Cuddle hormone," it stimulates the mammary glands to release milk and the uterus to contract during labor and delivery.

Pineal Gland

A gland located deep within the brain that is part of the endocrine system.

Thyroid Gland

An H-shaped or "butterfly" gland located in the neck that plays a vital role in metabolism.

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)

Thyroid hormones that play roles in calorie burning, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Calcitonin

A thyroid hormone that decreases calcium levels in the blood.

Parathyroid Glands

Small, yellowish-brown glands located on the back of the thyroid gland.

Parathormone (PTH)

A hormone that maintains normal serum calcium levels and plays a role in the metabolism of phosphorus.

Alpha cells

Cells in the Islets of Langerhans that produce glucagon, which elevates blood sugar by breaking down glycogen to glucose.

Beta cells

Cells in the Islets of Langerhans that produce insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels ($70-110$).

Delta cells

Cells in the Islets of Langerhans that act as hormone inhibitors by producing somatostatin.

Insulin

A hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.

Hypoglycemia

An abnormally diminished content of glucose in the blood, often causing shakiness, sweating, and dizziness.

Hyperglycemia

A condition where glucose levels in the blood are abnormally high, often causing extreme thirst and frequent urination.

Type I DM

Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), an autoimmune disorder where the body does not create enough insulin.

Type II DM

Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), where the body develops insulin resistance or fails to create enough insulin; often linked to lifestyle factors.

Gestational Diabetes

Also referred to as "Type III DM," it is a glucose intolerance developed in association with pregnancy, usually during the 3rd trimester.

Polyuria

A warning sign of diabetes characterized by frequent urination.

Polydipsia

A warning sign of diabetes characterized by excessive thirst.

Polyphagia

A warning sign of diabetes characterized by extreme hunger.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner part of the adrenal gland that secretes dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine.

Adrenal Cortex

The outer part of the adrenal gland that produces glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and sex steroids (testosterone).

Thymus Gland

A gland located in the mediastinum above the heart that aids in the production and maturation of $T$ lymphocytes; it atrophies with age.

Endocrinology

The study of the endocrine system.

Adenectomy

The surgical removal of a gland or part of a gland.

Adenoma

Benign (noncancerous) tumors found within glands of the body.

Acromegaly

Hyperpituitarism where an overactive pituitary gland causes abnormal continued growth of bones and tissues of the face and extremities.

Thyrotoxicosis

A severe episode of worsening symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Exophthalmic

A condition characterized by the abnormal protrusion of the eyeballs.

Hypercalcemia

A condition where the calcium level in the blood is above normal levels.

Hyperkalemia

A condition where the potassium level in the blood is above normal levels.

Hypernatremia

A condition where the sodium level in the blood is above normal levels.