Hormones and the Endocrine System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to hormones and the endocrine system, facilitating review for the exam.

Endocrine disruptors

Toxic chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system.

Hormones

Chemical signals produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulate body functions.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical signals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Exocrine glands

Glands that secrete substances onto body surfaces or into body cavities through ducts.

Endocrine glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Polypeptides

A class of hormones composed of proteins and peptides.

Amine hormones

Hormones derived from amino acids.

Steroid hormones

Lipid-soluble hormones that can pass through cell membranes.

Pheromones

Chemical signals released into the environment for communication between individuals of the same species.

Paracrine signals

Local regulators that act on nearby cells.

Autocrine signals

Local regulators that act on the secreting cell itself.

Signal transduction

The process by which a hormone signal is converted into a cellular response.

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood glucose levels.

Type I diabetes

An autoimmune disorder leading to insufficient insulin production.

Type II diabetes

A condition characterized by insulin resistance and associated with obesity.

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition in which the thyroid secretes too much hormone, leading to an accelerated metabolism.

Hypothyroidism

A condition where the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, leading to a slowed metabolism.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that increase blood glucose levels and help manage stress.

Mineralocorticoids

Hormones that regulate sodium and water balance to control blood pressure.