Endocrine System Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts in the endocrine system.

Endocrine system

System that uses hormones for slow, long-lasting responses throughout the body.

Hormones

Chemical messengers released by glands that act on target organs.

Negative feedback

Mechanism by which an increase in a hormone leads to a decrease in its production.

Positive feedback

Mechanism by which an increase in a hormone leads to further increases in its production.

Hypothalamus

Gland controlling the pituitary gland and regulating various hormones.

Pituitary gland

Master gland that releases hormones affecting other endocrine glands.

Thyroid gland

Gland that regulates metabolism and releases thyroid hormones.

Calcitonin

Hormone released by the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

Parathyroid hormone

Hormone released by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels.

Adrenal glands

Glands producing hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Gonads

Reproductive organs (ovaries and testes) that produce sex hormones.

Aldosterone

Hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels in the kidneys.

Cortisol

Hormone that regulates metabolism and helps the body respond to stress.

Testosterone

Hormone associated with male sexual development and characteristics.

Estrogen

Hormone regulating female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and maintains the endometrium.

Melatonin

Hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Receptors

Proteins on target cells that bind hormones and trigger responses.

Autocrine signaling

When a hormone acts on the same cell that produced it.

Paracrine signaling

When a hormone acts on nearby cells.

Tropic hormones

Hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to release their hormones.