AP Chapter 18: Endocrine System and Homeostasis

A set of 75 vocabulary-style flashcards derived from lecture notes focusing on the endocrine system and homeostasis.

Diabetes

A chronic disorder in which the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin or body cells do not use insulin properly.

Endocrine System

The system that regulates bodily functions through hormones.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Estrogens

Hormones that promote feminine characteristics and regulate female reproductive functions.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics.

Glands

Organs that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various bodily functions.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that controls the pituitary gland and regulates many homeostatic processes.

Pituitary Gland

The 'master' gland that controls other endocrine glands and regulates growth and metabolism.

Feedback Loop

A mechanism in which the output of a system regulates its own production.

Negative Feedback

A process that reduces the output of a system to restore balance.

Positive Feedback

A process that amplifies changes in a system.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete their products into ducts leading to body cavities or surfaces.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Thyroid Hormones

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism.

Parathyroid Hormone

Hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Adrenal Gland

Gland that produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, especially during stress.

Insulin

Hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular uptake.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose levels by prompting the liver to release glucose.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone that helps regulate metabolism and respond to stress.

Pineal Gland

Gland that secretes melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Somatostatin

Hormone that inhibits the secretion of other hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs that produce estrogens and progesterone.

Testes

Male reproductive organs that produce testosterone.

Growth Hormone

Hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

Melatonin

Hormone that regulates sleep patterns and circadian rhythms.

Eicosanoids

Local hormones derived from fatty acids that play roles in inflammation and immunity.

Thymosin

Hormone that promotes the maturation of T cells in the thymus.

Aldosterone

Hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance and blood pressure.

Hypoglycemia

Condition of having abnormally low blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycemia

Condition of having abnormally high blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Mellitus

A group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels.

Insulin Shock

A severe decrease in blood sugar due to excess insulin administration.

Cushing's Syndrome

Condition resulting from excessive cortisol production.

Addison's Disease

Condition resulting from insufficient production of glucocorticoids.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland often caused by iodine deficiency.

Graves' Disease

An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism.

Acromegaly

Condition resulting from excess growth hormone in adults, causing enlargement of bones.

Giantism

Excess growth hormone secretion during childhood leading to abnormal height.

Ketoacidosis

A serious diabetes complication where high levels of ketones in the blood lower the pH.

Hypoparathyroidism

A condition with too little parathyroid hormone, leading to low blood calcium levels.

Dwarfism

Condition resulting from insufficient growth hormone production during childhood.

Hormonal Disorders

Conditions resulting from abnormal hormone levels, either excessive or deficient.

Alpha Cells

Pancreatic islet cells that secrete glucagon.

Beta Cells

Pancreatic islet cells that secrete insulin.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Hormone that regulates the thyroid gland's activity.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Hormone that stimulates cortisol production from the adrenal cortex.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Hormone that stimulates ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone that triggers ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.

Calcitonin

Hormone that helps lower blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

Epinephrine

A hormone released during stress that increases heart rate and blood flow.

Norepinephrine

A hormone that complements the effects of epinephrine in the body's stress response.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

Hormonal pathway that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Hypothalamic Hormones

Hormones released by the hypothalamus that control pituitary gland activity.

Insulin Receptors

Cellular receptors that bind insulin and facilitate glucose uptake.

Insulin Resistance

Condition where cells fail to respond to insulin effectively.

Glucocorticoid Hormones

Hormones that regulate metabolism, stress response, and inflammation.

Testosterone Effects

Hormone responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics and spermatogenesis.

Thyroid Hormone Regulation

Process that controls the secretion of T3 and T4 hormones based on metabolic needs.

Age-Related Hormonal Decline

The decrease in hormone production associated with aging.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Hormonal Secretions

The release of hormones from endocrine glands into the bloodstream.

Biological Clock

The internal mechanism that regulates physiological processes on a 24-hour cycle.

Thyroid Follicles

Structures within the thyroid gland that produce thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Increased heart rate, weight loss, nervousness, and heat intolerance.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Fatigue, weight gain, depression, and sensitivity to cold.

Insulin's Role in Metabolism

Helps cells store glucose as glycogen and stimulates lipid synthesis.

Hormonal Interaction Types

Permissive, synergistic, and antagonistic effects of hormones.