Hormones Question and Answer Flashcards

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone that promotes growth in cells and tissues.

Adrenal glucocorticoid hormones

Hormones produced in the adrenal cortex that regulate metabolism and the immune response.

Thyroid hormones

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism.

Pituitary gland

An endocrine gland located at the base of the brain that controls other endocrine glands.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that regulates the pituitary gland.

Hypophysial stalk

The stalk that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.

Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)

The front part of the pituitary gland that produces numerous hormones.

Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis)

The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Releasing hormones

Hormones secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulate the anterior pituitary to release its hormones.

Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates cortisol production in the adrenal cortex.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

A hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates growth of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males.

Leutenizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production.

Prolactin (PRL)

A hormone that promotes breast development and milk production.

Somatotropes

Cells in the anterior pituitary that produce growth hormone.

Thyrotropes

Cells in the anterior pituitary that produce thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Gonadotropes

Cells that produce gonadotropic hormones, FSH and LH.

Lactotropes

Cells that produce prolactin.

Corticotropes

Cells that produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)

A precursor protein that is cleaved to produce several hormones including ACTH.

Hypothalamic-hypophysial portal system

A system of blood vessels connecting the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)

A hormone that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

A hormone that stimulates the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone-releasing hormone (TRH)

A hormone that promotes the release of TSH from the anterior pituitary.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

A hormone that stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary.

Prolactin inhibitory hormone (PIH)

A hormone that inhibits the release of prolactin.

Somatotropin

Another name for growth hormone.

Insulin sensitivity

The effectiveness of insulin in promoting glucose uptake.

Diabetogenic hormone

Hormones, like GH, that can lead to increased blood glucose levels.

Insulin resistance

A condition in which cells fail to respond effectively to insulin.

Insulin secretion

The process of releasing insulin from pancreatic beta cells.

Growth factors

Substances that promote cellular growth and development.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs)

Proteins that mediate the effects of growth hormone on growth.

Dwarfism

A condition resulting from GH deficiency during childhood.

Giantism

A condition characterized by excessive growth due to GH overproduction before adolescence.

Acromegaly

A condition caused by excessive GH secretion after adolescence leading to growth of soft tissues.

Laron dwarfs

Individuals with a genetic defect in the GH receptor causing dwarfism.

Hypoglycemia

Abnormally low blood sugar levels.

Hyperinsulinemia

Excess levels of insulin in the blood.

Cardiac hypertrophy

Enlargement of the heart muscle.

Visceral enlargement

Increased size of internal organs due to excess GH.

Shortened life expectancy

Reduced expected lifespan due to health conditions like acromegaly.

Joint problems

Issues in the joints often associated with excessive growth and pressure.

Laryngeal growth

Growth of the larynx, often leading to a deeper voice in individuals with acromegaly.