Endocrine System Review

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the endocrine system, including glands, hormones, and their functions.

Endocrine

Refers to glands that secrete hormones within the body.

Endocrinology

The medical specialty studying the endocrine system.

Hormone

A substance secreted by glands that regulates bodily functions.

Endocrinologist

A medical specialist who studies and treats disorders of the endocrine system.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that secretes hormones and regulates the pituitary gland.

Pituitary gland

Known as the master gland, it controls other endocrine glands.

Anatomical position

The standard position of the body used to describe locations of structures.

Adrenal glands

Glands located on top of the kidneys that produce hormones like cortisol.

Thyroid gland

A gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism.

Parathyroid glands

Glands located behind the thyroid that regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Thymus gland

A gland that stimulates the production of lymphocytes (T-cells).

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates the development of eggs in ovaries.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone from the anterior pituitary that triggers ovulation and testosterone production.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone from the pituitary that stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroxine.

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)

Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids.

GH (Growth Hormone)

Stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Regulates water balance and urine production.

Oxytocin

Hormone produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates uterine contractions.

Melatonin

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

Gigantism

Excessive growth due to hypersecretion of growth hormone before puberty.

Acromegaly

Hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults leading to enlarged features.

Diabetes insipidus

Condition caused by insufficient ADH, leading to excessive urination and thirst.

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Depression linked to seasonal changes, often due to serotonin levels.

Erythropoietin

Hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Prostaglandins

Hormones that act locally to perform various regulatory functions.

Gastrin

Hormone that stimulates gastric secretions in the stomach.

Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)

Hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Hormone that raises blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption.

Thyroid cartilage

The structure in the neck below which the thyroid gland is located.

Visual field test

A diagnostic procedure to check for visual disturbances due to pituitary tumors.

Craniotomy

Surgical incision into the skull to access the brain.

Transsphenoidal surgery

Endoscopic surgery to remove pituitary tumors through the nose.

Thymosin

Hormone that stimulates the development of T-cells for immune function.

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production in mammary glands.