anatomy and phisiology

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

An anterior pituitary gland hormone that influences the activity of the adrenal cortex.

Androgens

A hormone that controls male secondary sex characteristics.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary that promotes the reabsorption of water by the kidney.

Catecholamines

Epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Corticosteroids

The steroid hormones released by the adrenal cortex.

Diabetes insipidus

A disease characterized by passage of large amounts of dilute urine plus intense thirst and dehydration; a hypothalamic disorder is the cause.

Diabetes mellitus

A disease caused by deficient insulin release or inadequate responsiveness to insulin, leading to inability of the body cells to use carbohydrates at a normal rate.

Endocrine gland

Ductless glands that empty their hormonal product directly into the blood.

Epinephrine

The chief hormone of the adrenal medulla.

Estrogens

Hormones that stimulate female secondary sex characteristics; female sex hormones.

Exocrine gland

Glands that have ducts through which their secretions are carried to a particular site.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates ovarian follicle production in females and sperm production in males.

Glucagon

A hormone formed by the pancreatic islets of the pancreas; raises the glucose level of blood.

Glucocorticoids

The adrenal cortex hormones that increase blood glucose levels and aid the body in resisting long-term stress.

Goiter

A benign enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Gonadotropic hormone

Tropic hormones stimulate their target organs, which are also endocrine glands, to secrete their hormones, which in turn exert their effects on other body organs and tissues.

Human chorionic gonadotropin

an LH-like hormone which prods the corpus luteum of the ovary to continue producing its hormones.

Inhibiting hormone

Hormones produced by the hypothalamus and controls the anterior pituitary.

Insulin

The hypoglycemic hormone produced in the pancreas affecting carbohydrate and fat metabolism, blood glucose levels, and other systemic processes.

Interstitial cell-stimulating hormone

stimulates testosterone production by the interstitial cells of the testes.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that causes maturation of cells in the ovary and triggers ovulation. Also causes the interstitial cells of the testis to produce testosterone.

Melatonin

believed to be the “sleep trigger,” appears to play an important role in establishing the body’s day-night cycle; peak levels occur at night and make us drowsy; the lowest levels occur during daylight around noon.

Mineralocorticoids

An adrenal cortical steroid hormone that regulates mineral metabolism and fluid balance.

Norepinephrine

when the adrenal medulla is stimulated by sympathetic nervous system neurons, norepinephrine is released into the bloodstream; when you are (or feel) threatened physically or emotionally.

Oxytocin

Hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland that stimulates contractions of the uterus during childbirth and ejection of milk during nursing.

Parathormone

hormone released by the parathyroid glands that regulate blood calcium level.

Progesterone

a hormone partly responsible for preparing the uterus for the fertilized ovum; acts with estrogen to bring about the menstrual cycle.

Releasing hormone

hormone released by the hypothalamus into the blood of the portal circulation, which connects the blood supply of the hypothalamus with that of the anterior pituitary.

Target organ

an organ affected by a given hormone.

Testosterone

male sex hormones produced by the testes in the scrotum; causes the development of the adult male sex characteristics; it promotes the growth and maturation of the reproductive system organs to prepare the young man for reproduction.

Thymosin

A hormone produced by the thymus gland; during childhood the thymus acts as an incubator for the maturation of a special group of white blood cells that are important in the immune response.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

influences the growth and activity of the thyroid gland.

Thyroxin

the major hormone secreted by the thyroid follicles.

Tropic hormone

stimulate their target organs, which are also endocrine glands, to secrete their hormones, which in turn exert their effects on other body organs and tissues.

Triiodothyronine

an active iodine-containing hormone which is converted into thyroxin.