chapter 12 study guide

What is a negative feedback system?

A system that keeps the body stable by turning hormone production up or down.

What are target cells?

Cells with receptors that respond to specific hormones.

What does the hypothalamus do?

Controls the pituitary gland and links the nervous and endocrine systems.

What is acromegaly?

Too much growth hormone in adults → enlarged hands, feet, face.

What is exophthalmia?

Bulging eyes, often from Graves’ disease.

What is cretinism?

Hypothyroidism in infants causing stunted growth.

What is Cushing’s syndrome?

Too much cortisol → weight gain, high blood pressure.

What is diabetes mellitus?

A disease where the body cannot properly use insulin.

What is Addison’s disease?

Too little cortisol → fatigue, low blood pressure.

What is dwarfism?

Too little growth hormone in childhood.

What is hypothyroidism?

Underactive thyroid → slow metabolism.

What is Graves’ disease?

Overactive thyroid → fast metabolism and bulging eyes.

What is glycosuria?

Sugar in the urine

What is polydipsia?

Excessive thirst.

What is polyuria?

Frequent urination.

What is polyphagia?

Excessive hunger.

What is hyperglycemia?

High blood sugar.

What do alpha cells secrete?

Glucagon (raises blood sugar)

What do beta cells secrete?

Insulin (lowers blood sugar)

What are the islets of Langerhans?

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that regulate blood sugar.

What are androgens?

Male sex hormones

What does the pineal gland secrete?

Melatonin

What is the pituitary gland known as

The master gland

What hormones does the pituitary release?

GH, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, prolactin

What does the thyroid gland do?

Controls metabolism with T3 and T4

What does the parathyroid gland do?

Raises blood calcium (PTH)

What does the thymus do?

Helps immune system (T-cells)

What do the adrenal glands do?

Control stress, blood pressure, and fight-or-flight.

What hormones do adrenal glands release?

Epinephrine, cortisol, aldosterone.

What does the pancreas do?

Controls blood sugar with insulin and glucagon.

What do testes produce?

Testosterone

What do ovaries produce?

Estrogen and progesterone.

How is the endocrine system like an air conditioner?

It keeps the body balanced by adjusting hormone levels up or down.