anatomy endocrine system

Endocrine System

A system of glands that releases hormones into the bloodstream to maintain homeostasis

Hormone

A chemical messenger secreted by endocrine glands and transported by blood. Hormones alter the metabolic processes of target cells

Target Cell

A cell with specific receptors that a hormone can bind to

Endocrine vs Nervous System (speed)

Endocrine effects are general and long-lasting; nervous effects are specific and short-lived

Endocrine Transport

Hormones travel through the bloo

Nervous Transport

Neurotransmitters travel through neurons

Negative Feedback

circle loop system

Positive Feedback

linear system

Water-Soluble Hormones

Hormones that cannot pass through the plasma membrane and bind to surface receptors

Lipid-Soluble Hormones

Usually steroid hormones that pass through the cell membrane

Prostaglandins

Chemicals that modify or enhance hormonal effects but do not cause changes alone

Pituitary Gland

The master gland that controls other endocrine glands

Anterior Pituitary

Produces 7 hormones and is controlled by negative feedback

Posterior Pituitary

Composed of nerve tissue and releases ADH and oxytocin

GH

Growth Hormone - stimulates growth and cell division

MSH

Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone - stimulates melanin production in skin

PRL

Prolactin - stimulates and maintains milk production

TSH

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone - triggers release of thyroid hormones

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone - stimulates adrenal cortex hormones

FSH

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - egg development in females, sperm production in males

LH

Luteinizing Hormone - estrogen secretion in females, testosterone secretion in males

Oxytocin

Stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection

ADH

Antidiuretic Hormone - increases water reabsorption in kidneys and regulates blood pressure

Thyroid Gland

Gland that regulates metabolism and contains iodine

T3 and T4

Thyroid hormones that increase metabolism and protein synthesis

Calcitonin

Hormone that lowers calcium and phosphate levels in blood

Parathyroid Glands

Glands located behind the thyroid

PTH

Parathyroid Hormone - increases blood calcium and lowers phosphate levels

Adrenal Glands

Glands located on top of each kidney

Adrenal Medulla

Inner adrenal gland that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine

Epinephrine

Hormone that mimics sympathetic nervous system response

Norepinephrine

Hormone involved in fight-or-flight response

Adrenal Cortex

Outer adrenal gland that produces steroid hormones

Aldosterone

Mineralocorticoid that maintains fluid balance

Cortisol

Glucocorticoid that promotes gluconeogenesis

Pineal Gland

Gland that regulates circadian rhythm

Melatonin

Hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles

Pancreas

Gland that regulates blood sugar

Insulin

Hormone that lowers blood glucose levels

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose levels

Gonads

Reproductive glands that produce sex hormones

Ovaries

Female gonads that secrete estrogen

Testes

Male gonads that secrete testosterone

Thymus Gland

Gland involved in immune system development

Thymosin

Hormone that stimulates T lymphocyte production

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment

Diabetes Mellitus

Disorder where the pancreas cannot produce or properly use insulin

Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes present at birth

Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes that develops over time