Kerala Class 10 Biology: Hormonal Regulation

Vocabulary flashcards covering endocrine glands, hormonal functions, glucose and calcium regulation, and adrenal hormones for Kerala Class 10 Biology revision.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands into the blood that act on specific target cells or organs with suitable receptors.

Target Cells

Specific cells equipped with appropriate receptors that allow them to respond to a particular hormone.

Endocrine System

The system of ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood to regulate various body functions.

Pituitary Gland

The gland often called the master gland because its hormones regulate several other endocrine glands; it is controlled by the hypothalamus.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland located in the neck, in front of the trachea, responsible for producing thyroxine and calcitonin.

Thyroxine

A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that plays a key role in regulating metabolism.

Iodine

The essential chemical element required by the thyroid gland to synthesize thyroxine.

Goitre

Enlargement of the thyroid gland resulting from iodine deficiency and reduced thyroxine production.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the parafollicular (C) cells of the thyroid gland that acts to lower calcium levels in the blood.

Parafollicular (C) Cells

Specialized cells within the thyroid gland that produce and secrete calcitonin.

Parathormone (PTH)

A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that functions to raise calcium levels in the blood.

Parathyroid Glands

Endocrine glands responsible for secreting parathormone (parathyroid hormone, PTH) to increase blood calcium.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of endocrine cells situated within the pancreas that secrete blood-glucose-regulating hormones.

Beta Cells

Endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans that secrete the hormone insulin.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by beta cells that lowers blood glucose by promoting cellular glucose uptake and storing excess glucose as glycogen.

Alpha Cells

Endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans that secrete the hormone glucagon.

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by alpha cells that raises blood glucose levels, including by promoting glycogen breakdown into glucose in the liver.

Glycogen

A primary storage form of glucose found predominantly in the liver and muscles.

Diabetes Mellitus

A condition characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels caused by insufficient insulin production or poor cellular response to insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes

A form of diabetes where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, frequently due to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells.

Type 2 Diabetes

A form of diabetes associated with insulin resistance, where body cells respond poorly to insulin, sometimes accompanied by insufficient insulin production.

Adrenal Gland

An endocrine gland situated above each kidney, divided structurally and functionally into an outer cortex and an inner medulla.

Adrenal Cortex

The outer region of the adrenal gland that secretes steroid hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, and small quantities of sex hormones (androgens).

Adrenal Medulla

The inner region of the adrenal gland that secretes adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) to trigger rapid physiological responses.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that readies the body for emergency action by elevating heart rate, breathing rate, and energy availability.

Fight-or-Flight Response

The body's rapid physiological preparation to respond effectively to a threatening or stressful situation.

Cortisol

A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that assists the body in managing longer-lasting stress and modulates metabolism.

Aldosterone

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates salt and water balance by acting directly on the kidneys.