Endocrine Glands

Vocabulary flashcards based on key terms and concepts from the endocrine system lecture notes.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by glands in the endocrine system that regulate physiological processes.

Pineal Gland

An endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that coordinates neural and endocrine functions, regulating pituitary gland secretions.

Pituitary Gland

A gland that secretes hormones to regulate various bodily functions, often called the 'master gland'.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland that produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) essential for metabolism.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that promotes growth and metabolism.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that decreases blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular uptake.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by parafollicular cells in the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone secreted by parathyroid glands that raises blood calcium levels.

Epinephrine

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that increases heart rate and energy availability during stress.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates metabolism and immune response.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles and reproductive functions.

Leptin

A hormone produced by adipose tissue that regulates energy balance and inhibits hunger.

Gonadotropins

Hormones (LH and FSH) that stimulate the function of the gonads (testes and ovaries).

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Hypothalamohypophysial Portal System

A system of blood vessels that connects the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary.

Feedback Mechanism

A process where the output of a system regulates the system's own activity, maintaining homeostasis.

TRH

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates TSH release from the pituitary.

GHRH

Growth hormone-releasing hormone that stimulates the release of growth hormone.

GHIH

Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (somatostatin) that inhibits growth hormone release.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers such as dopamine, which can influence hormone secretion.