Principal Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones (Part I Part 1)

These flashcards cover the principal endocrine glands and the hormones they produce, including their functions and target organs.

What hormone does the hypothalamus release to regulate anterior pituitary hormones?

Hypothalamic-releasing hormones.

What is the chief function of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)?

Stimulates water reabsorption by kidneys.

Which gland produces Oxytocin and what are its target organs?

Pituitary gland; uterus and mammary glands.

What does Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) stimulate?

Stimulates the thyroid.

What is the function of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)?

Stimulates the adrenal cortex.

What are the gonadotropic hormones produced by the anterior pituitary?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH).

What is the role of Prolactin (PRL)?

Milk production.

What does Growth Hormone (GH) promote?

Cell division, protein synthesis, and bone growth.

What is the effect of Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone (MSH) in humans?

Unknown function; regulates skin color in lower vertebrates.

What hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and what do they do?

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3); they increase metabolic rate and regulate growth and development.

What role does Calcitonin play in the body?

Lowers blood calcium level.

What is Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) responsible for?

Raises blood calcium level.

What effect do Glucocorticoids (like cortisol) have on blood glucose levels?

They raise blood glucose level.

What is the function of Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)?

Reabsorb sodium and excrete potassium.

What are sex hormones produced by the adrenal cortex responsible for?

Stimulate reproductive organs and bring about sex characteristics.

What do epinephrine and norepinephrine do when released by the adrenal medulla?

Raise blood glucose level and are released in emergency situations.

What effect does insulin have on blood glucose levels?

Lowers blood glucose level and promotes glycogen formation.

What does glucagon do in the body?

Raises blood glucose level.

What hormone do the testes produce and what does it stimulate?

Androgens (testosterone), which stimulate male sex characteristics.

What hormones do the ovaries produce?

Estrogens, progesterone, and small amounts of testosterone.

What is the function of thymosins produced by the thymus?

Stimulate production and maturation of T lymphocytes.

What hormone does the pineal gland produce and what does it control?

Melatonin; controls circadian rhythms.

What hormones are released by the posterior pituitary?

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin.

How does ADH affect the kidneys?

Stimulates water reabsorption.

Where does Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) act?

It acts on the thyroid gland.

What is the primary function of growth hormone (GH)?

Cell division and protein synthesis.

How do glucocorticoids impact protein in the body?

They stimulate the breakdown of protein.

What is the role of sex hormones from the adrenal cortex?

Stimulate development of male and female sexual characteristics.

Where does oxytocin primarily exert its effects?

In the uterus and mammary glands.

What is a characteristic of hormones produced by the hypothalamus?

They regulate the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary.

What is the effect of calcitonin on bones?

It lowers the blood calcium level by acting on bones.

What is a key function of parathyroid hormone (PTH)?

It raises the blood calcium level.

What hormonal response occurs during stress or emergency?

Release of epinephrine and norepinephrine.