Anatomy & Physiology of Domestic Animals

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and functions related to the anatomy and physiology of the nervous and endocrine systems.

nervous system and endocrine system

The two major systems that control the body.

hypothalamus

Part of the brain that links and coordinates the nervous and endocrine systems.

autonomic

Functions of the body that are involuntary, controlled by the hypothalamus.

endocrine glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream without ducts.

hormones

Large complex molecules produced in one part of the body that travel to another organ to influence its function.

target organ

The organ that a hormone is supposed to travel to and affect.

receptors

Specialized protein molecules on cell membranes that interact with hormones.

metabolic activities

One of the general functions of hormones, involving regulation of various bodily processes.

steroid hormones

Type of hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, ovaries, testes, and fetal membranes.

protein hormones

Type of hormone produced by the adrenal medulla, thyroid, pituitary, and other glands.

feedback system

A mechanism for controlling hormone production based on blood hormone levels.

hypophysis

Another name for the pituitary gland.

adenohypophysis

Another name for the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

neurohypophysis

Another name for the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

portal system

A system of vessels that transports blood through sequential capillary networks.

FSH

Follicle stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary.

LH

Luteinizing hormone produced by the pituitary.

ADH

Anti-diuretic hormone that causes kidneys to resorb water.

oxytocin

Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and milk let-down.

tropic hormones

Hormones that affect the hormone production of other glands.

TSH

Thyroid stimulating hormone created by the anterior lobe of the pituitary.

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone that stimulates adrenal cortex hormone production.

GH-STH

Growth hormone/somatotropic hormone that regulates growth.

diabetes insipidus

Disease caused by lack of ADH.

luteotropic hormone (LTH)

Stimulates mammary development and lactation.

MSH

Melanocyte stimulating hormone that controls skin pigment cells.

prolactin

Another name for luteotropic hormone (LTH).