Endocrine System Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for the endocrine system, covering hormones, glands, conditions, and complications.

Hormones

Natural chemicals that exert their effects on specific tissues known as target tissues.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Ductless Glands

Glands that do not have connecting ducts and use the blood to transport hormones.

Hypothalamus

Area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, blood pressure, mood, sex drive, and sleep; produces releasing and inhibiting hormones.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

Hormone that sends a message to the anterior pituitary to stimulate the adrenal glands to release corticosteroids.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Hormone that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH, ensuring normal functioning of the ovaries and testes.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)

Hormone that prompts the anterior pituitary to release growth hormone (GH); its inhibiting hormone has the opposite effect.

Oxytocin

Hormone involved in processes such as orgasm, trust, body temperature, sleep cycles, and breast milk release; also known as the 'love hormone'.

Prolactin-releasing hormone (PRH)

Hormone that prompts the anterior pituitary to stimulate breast milk production; its inhibiting hormone inhibits prolactin and milk production.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

Hormone that triggers the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the release of thyroid hormones to regulate metabolism, energy, growth, and development.

Pituitary Gland

Commonly referred to as the master gland, controlled by the hypothalamus.

Anterior Pituitary

A part of the pituitary that secretes Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Prolactin, Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and Growth hormone (somatotropin).

Posterior Pituitary

A part of the pituitary that secretes Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) and Oxytocin.

Adrenal Glands

Glands that produce epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Adrenal Medulla

Part of the the adrenal glands that produce Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Adrenal Cortex

Part of the adrenal glands that produce Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids, and Sex hormones.

Beta cells

Cells of the pancreas that secrete insulin.

Alpha cells

Cells of the pancreas that secrete glucagon.

Diabetes Mellitus

A condition characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the blood.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type of diabetes characterized by destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in decreased insulin production.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type of diabetes with main problems of insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion; usually occurs in obese adults after age 40.

Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

Any degree of glucose intolerance with onset during pregnancy.

Glucagon

A hormone that prevents hypoglycemia by triggering the release of glucose from cell storage sites.

Insulin

A hormone that prevents hyperglycemia by allowing body cells to uptake, use, and store carbohydrate, fat, and protein.

Polyuria

Frequent and excessive urination resulting from osmotic diuresis caused by excess glucose in the blood and urine.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst that occurs as a result of dehydration.

Polyphagia

Excessive eating triggered by cell starvation due to cells not receiving glucose.

Kussmaul Respiration

Rapid, deep, labored breathing often associated with ketoacidosis.

Hypoglycemia

Blood glucose less than 50 to 60 mg/dL, potentially caused by too much insulin, too little food, or excessive physical activity.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A deficiency of insulin that results in disorders in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats metabolism.

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)

A condition characterized by hyperosmolality and hyperglycemia with alterations in level of consciousness.

Diabetic Macrovascular Complications

Long-term complications of diabetes where blood vessel walls thicken and become occluded by plaque, leading to coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease.