Ch. 14 Endocrine System

Endocrine System

A system of glands that produce hormones to regulate various bodily functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced in one part of the body that travel through the bloodstream to affect other parts.

Auto-crypt

A type of cell communication where a cell stimulates itself.

Paracrine

A type of cell communication where a cell stimulates nearby cells.

Endocrine Communication

Hormonal communication where hormones are released into the bloodstream to target distant cells.

Synaptic Communication

Communication between neurons through neurotransmitters at synapses.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones like insulin and glucagon, crucial for blood sugar regulation.

Pituitary Gland

Master gland that regulates other endocrine glands.

Thyroid Gland

Produces hormones that regulate metabolism.

Pancreas

Produces insulin and glucagon for blood sugar regulation.

Adrenal Glands

Produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Ovaries

Produce female hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Testes

Produce male hormones like testosterone.

Hypothalamus

Controls the pituitary gland and produces hormones.

Portal Circulation

A system where blood flows from capillaries to veins and then to another set of capillaries before returning to the heart.

Gigantism

Caused by excess growth hormone during childhood, leading to excessive height.

Acromegaly

Caused by excess growth hormone after growth plates have closed, resulting in thickening of bones and tissues.

Neurohypophysis

Another name for the posterior pituitary, where axons from the hypothalamus terminate and release hormones.

Herring Bodies

Fusiform swellings where axons terminate in the posterior pituitary, storing hormones.

Calcitonin

Hormone produced by parafollicular cells in the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts.

Graves' Disease

An autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism due to overstimulation of the thyroid gland by autoantibodies.

GLP-1 Agonists

Medications that mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, promoting insulin secretion and reducing appetite.

Amylin

Co-secreted with insulin, it helps regulate blood sugar and slows gastric emptying.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin, typically diagnosed in children.

Type 2 Diabetes

A condition characterized by insulin resistance, often developing in adults due to lifestyle factors.