Endocrine System Vocabulary Flashcards

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to the Endocrine System to aid in studying for the exam.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones to regulate body functions.

Hormone

A chemical messenger secreted into the bloodstream that stimulates changes in target cells.

Target Cells

Cells with specific receptors that respond to a particular hormone.

Receptor

Protein that binds to a specific hormone, triggering a response.

Hypothalamus

Brain region controlling the pituitary gland; links nervous and endocrine systems.

Pituitary Gland

The 'master gland' that secretes hormones influencing other glands.

Pineal Gland

Secretes melatonin, regulating circadian rhythms.

Thyroid Gland

Produces hormones regulating metabolism.

Parathyroid Glands

Regulate calcium homeostasis via parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Adrenal Glands

Sit atop kidneys; secrete stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine.

Pancreas

Secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose.

Gonads

Ovaries and testes; produce sex hormones.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that reverses a deviation from a set point.

Positive Feedback

Enhances or amplifies changes toward a climactic event.

Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal Axis

Interaction between hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.

Anterior Pituitary

Produces GH, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, PRL.

Posterior Pituitary

Releases oxytocin and ADH produced in the hypothalamus.

Steroid Hormones

Lipid-soluble, derived from cholesterol, pass through cell membranes.

Peptide Hormones

Chains of amino acids; bind to surface receptors.

Second Messenger System

Signal transduction method for water-soluble hormones.

Diabetes Mellitus

Inadequate insulin or cellular response to insulin.

Hyperthyroidism

Excess thyroid hormone; increases metabolism.

Hypothyroidism

Deficient thyroid hormone; slows metabolism.

Cushing Syndrome

Excess cortisol; leads to fat redistribution, muscle loss.

Addison’s Disease

Insufficient adrenal hormones; causes fatigue, low BP.

Calcitonin

Hormone that lowers blood calcium levels.

Aldosterone

Hormone that increases sodium retention and potassium excretion.

Cortisol

Hormone that increases blood glucose and suppresses inflammation.

Epinephrine

Hormone that triggers fight or flight response.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Insulin

Hormone that lowers blood glucose by increasing uptake.

Oxytocin

Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Promotes water retention; reduces urine output.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Stimulates gamete production. (eggs/sperm)

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Stimulates ovulation, estrogen/progesterone/testosterone production.

TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Stimulates release of TSH.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Stimulates release of FSH & LH.

Melatonin

Regulates sleep-wake cycles.

GH (Growth Hormone)

Stimulates growth and protein synthesis.

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)

Stimulates cortisol production.

PRL (Prolactin)

Stimulates milk production.

T3 (Triiodothyronine)

Increases metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.

Endocrinology

The study of the endocrine system and its disorders.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions.

Feedback Loop

A system in which the output or response influences the input.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell responds to a signal molecule.

Hormonal Regulation

The process by which hormones control physiological activities.

Stress Response

The body's reaction to a stressor, regulated by the endocrine system.

Thymosin

Hormone that promotes maturation of T lymphocytes.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source.

Fatigue

The body's reduced ability to perform due to hormonal imbalance or stress.

Adrenaline

Another name for epinephrine, promoting the fight or flight response.

Insulin Resistance

When the body's cells don't respond to insulin effectively.

Erythropoiesis

The production of red blood cells.

Bone Marrow

The primary site of new blood cell production.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cellular components.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, which can impact overall health.

Hypocalcemia

Low blood calcium levels.

Hypercalcemia

High blood calcium levels.

Electrolyte Balance

The maintenance of proper levels of ions in the body's fluids.

Circadian Rhythms

The physical, mental, and behavioral changes following a daily cycle.

Trophic Hormones

Hormones that stimulate other glands to release their hormones.

Signal Amplification

The process where one hormone molecule triggers a series of events.

Diabetes

A metabolic disease that results in high blood sugar.

Stress Hormones

Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline released in response to stress.

Hypothalamic Control

The role of the hypothalamus in regulating hormonal functions.