Hormones and Endocrine System Review

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering hormones, their origins, target organs, and functions based on the lecture notes.

Epinephrine

Also known as adrenaline; released by the Adrenal medulla to target the heart, lungs, liver, and muscles. It expands airways, raises heart rate, and increases energy by raising glucose in response to the sympathetic nervous system.

Norepinephrine

Also known as nora-adrenaline; released by the Adrenal medulla to target blood vessels. It causes vasoconstriction and raises blood pressure.

Aldosterone

Released by the Adrenal Cortex to target the Kidneys. It stores salt by keeping water and sodium in the body and getting rid of potassium, thereby raising blood pressure.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Released by the Kidneys to target the Bone Marrow, signaling it to produce more red blood cells.

Erythrocytes

Released from the Bone Marrow with the primary function of carrying oxygen to tissues and organs.

Glucagon

Released by the Pancreas to target the liver. It raises blood sugar by breaking down stored glycogen into glucose.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Made by the Hypothalamus and released by the Posterior Pituitary to target the Kidneys. It keeps water in the collecting duct, decreases urine output, and increases blood pressure.

Oxytocin

Made by the Hypothalamus and released by the Posterior Pituitary to target the uterus and mammary glands. It causes contractions and forces milk into milk ducts.

Insulin

Released by the Pancreas to target the liver, muscles, and fat cells. It lowers blood glucose by taking glucose and storing it for later.

Estrogen

Made by the ovaries to target the uterus, breasts, bones, and brains. It helps develop reproductive organs, regulates the menstrual cycle, and builds the uterine lining.

Progesterone

Released from the ovaries to target the uterus and breasts. It keeps the uterine lining thick during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and prevents uterine contractions.

Testosterone

Released by the Testes to target muscles, bones, and testes. It supports sperm production, builds muscle, and helps develop male reproductive organs.

Dopamine

Made by the hypothalamus and released by the adrenal medulla and brain. It slows down prolactin and functions in mood, motivation, and the reward center.

Somatostatin

Made by the Hypothalamus and Pancreas to target the pituitary gland and pancreas. It slows the secretion of GH, TSH, insulin, and glucagon.

Leptin

Made by adipose (fat) tissue to target the hypothalamus. It suppresses appetite and regulates food intake and energy balance.

Gastrin

Secreted by G-cells in the stomach to target parietal cells. It encourages gastric acid secretion.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Made by the small intestine (duodenum) to target the gallbladder, pancreas, and brain. It triggers the release of bile and pancreatic enzymes.

Secretin

Made by the S cells of the small intestine to target the pancreas, liver, and stomach. It stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.

Ghrelin

Made by the stomach to target the hypothalamus. It increases appetite and releases growth hormone in response to fasting or an empty stomach.

Releasing Hormones

Includes Gonadotropins RH, Corticotropin RH, Growth Hormone RH, and Thyrotropin RH. Made by the Hypothalamus to stimulate the Anterior pituitary to release hormones.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Made by the anterior pituitary to target the liver, bones, and muscles. It makes new proteins and stimulates cell growth.

Prolactin (PRL)

Made by the anterior pituitary to target the breasts. It stimulates milk production after giving birth.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Made by the Anterior pituitary to trigger the release of $T_3$ and $T_4$ when thyroid levels are low.

Melatonin

Made by the Pineal gland to target the brain and body tissues. It promotes sleep and is triggered by darkness.

Thyroxine ($T_4$) and Triiodothyronine ($T_3$)

Made by the Thyroid gland and released by TSH. They increase metabolic rate and energy use.

Calcitonin

Made by the thyroid gland to target bones and kidneys. It lowers calcium levels in the blood.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Produced by the Parathyroid glands to target bones, kidneys, and intestines. It raises blood calcium levels and activates vitamin D.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Released by the Anterior pituitary to target ovaries and testes. It stimulates egg/follicle maturation and sperm production.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Released by the Anterior pituitary to target ovaries and testes. It triggers ovulation and testosterone production.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Released by the Anterior pituitary to target the Adrenal Cortex, stimulating the release of cortisol.

Thymosin

Produced by the Thymus to target T-lymphocytes for the purpose of training T-cells.

Cortisol

Released from the Adrenal Cortex. It increases glucose, slows inflammation, and manages stress.

Gluconeogenesis

The process by which Cortisol turns lipids and proteins into glucose, triggered by low glucose levels.