unit 8 notes Endocrine System Overview part 1

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to the endocrine system, hormones, and their functions.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream and regulate various body functions.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances through ducts to the outside of the body or into the digestive system.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate physiological processes.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that reverses changes in a physiological system to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that amplifies changes in a physiological system, often leading to a specific outcome or event.

Prostaglandins

Powerful substances produced in tissues that influence various body functions, including immunity and blood pressure.

Anterior Pituitary

The front part of the pituitary gland that secretes hormones like TSH and ACTH.

Posterior Pituitary

The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones like ADH and oxytocin produced in the hypothalamus.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland that produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels.

Growth Hormone (GH)

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

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and testosterone secretion in males.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids like cortisol.

Calcium Homeostasis

The regulatory process by which the body maintains an optimal calcium level in the blood.

Mechanisms of Hormone Action

Processes by which hormones affect target cells, including nonsteroid and steroid hormone actions.

Nonsteroid Hormones

Hormones that act as first messengers, binding to receptors on cell membranes.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones that pass through cell membranes and act on receptors in the nucleus to influence gene expression.