Endocrine System Key Terms

Anatomy & Physiology

adrenocorticotropic hormone

(ACTH) Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates activity in the adrenal cortex.

androgen

Male sex hormone such as testosterone

antidiuretic hormone

(ADH) Hormone of the posterior pituitary gland that enhances water conservation in the kidneys. It is also called vasopressin because of its ability to cause vasoconstriction at high concentrations.

corticosteroid

Used to reduce inflammation that can result from injury or allergic reaction.

diabetes mellitus - type 1

Insulin-dependent. Juvenile onset diabetes. Autoimmune disorder (often genetic) that destroys pancreatic beta cells, so insulin production decreases or stops.

diabetes mellitus - type 2

Non-insulin-dependent. Mature adult onset diabetes (usually after the age of 40). When insulin is produced but is not recognized by cells - individuals may be overweight, can be controlled with diet and exercise.

endocrine gland

Gland that secretes hormones into the bloodstream; hormone-secreting gland.

epinephrine

Hormone the adrenal medulla secretes during times of stress.

estrogen

Group of hormones (including estradiol, estrone, and estriol) that stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics and produces an environment suitable for fertilization, implantation, and growth of an embryo.

exocrine gland

Gland that secretes its products into a duct or onto an outside body surface.

follicle-stimulating hormone

Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates development of an ovarian follicle in a female, or sperm cell production in a male.

glucagon

Hormone secreted by the pancreatic islets that raises the blood sugar concentration by stimulating the liver to break down glycogen and convert certain no carbohydrates, such as amino acids, into glucose.

glucocorticoid

Any of several hormones that the adrenal cortex secretes that affects carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

gonadotropic hormone

The pituitary gland in your endocrine system uses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to stimulate the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. These gonadotropins (hormones) make the sex hormones testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. GnRH is vital to your sexual maturity, sex drive and fertility.

human chorionic gonadotropin

(hCG) Hormone, secreted by the embryo, that helps support pregnancy.

inhibiting hormone

A hormone that inhibits the secretion of another hormone.

insulin

Hormone the pancreatic islets secrete that lowers the blood glucose concentration by stimulating cells to take up the glucose.

luteinizing (aka: interstitial cell-stimulating) hormone

Regulates testosterone in men and estrogen in women. Triggers ovulation of an egg from the female ovary.

melatonin

Hormone that the pineal gland secretes.

mineralocorticoid

Hormone the adrenal cortex secretes that affects electrolyte concentrations in body fluids.

norepinephrine

Type of neurotransmitter, which is a chemical secreted into the synaptic cleft at axon ends of neurons. Also secreted as a hormone by the adrenal medulla during times of stress.

oxytocin

(OT) Posterior pituitary hormone that contracts smooth muscle in the uterus and mammary gland myoepithelial cells.

parathyroid hormone

(PTH) Hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that helps regulate the levels of blood calcium and phosphate ions.

progesterone

Female hormone secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary and by the placenta.

testosterone

Male sex hormone secreted by the interstitial cells of the testes.

thymosin

Group of peptides the thymus secretes that increases production of certain types of white blood cells.

thyroid-stimulating hormone

(TSH) Hormone secreted from the anterior pituitary that stimulates secretion of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland.

thyroxine

One of the thyrioid hormones. It plays a role in controlling the basal metabolic rate.

T4

triiodothyronine (T3)

One of the thyroid hormones. It plays a role in controlling the basal metabolic rate.