Endocrine Structure & Function and Related Systems

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering various topics related to the endocrine system, blood cells, blood testing, blood typing, heart structure, cardiac cycle, blood vessels, and the lymphatic system.

Endocrine glands

Glands that secrete true hormones into the blood.

True hormones

Hormones that influence target cells around the body.

Receptors

Molecules on target cells that hormones bind to.

Pancreas

The endocrine gland that is also an exocrine gland.

Thyroid and parathyroid glands

The two endocrine glands that are in closest proximity.

Posterior pituitary

The endocrine gland that stores hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus.

Homeostasis

A state of steady internal conditions maintained by the body, often established through negative feedback in the endocrine system.

Insulin

Hormone secreted by beta cells of the pancreatic islets.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

A type of diabetes with a rapid onset, usually occurring in younger people.

Hematocrit

Percentage of red blood cells in whole blood.

Agglutination

The reaction that occurs when B antibodies react with B antigens.

Universal donor

Blood type O, which can be transfused to any blood type.

SA node

The pacemaker of the heart.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle contracts.

Thoracic duct

A major lymphatic vessel that drains lymph into the bloodstream.

Spleen

The largest lymphatic organ in the body.

Smooth muscle

The main component of the middle layer of blood vessels.

Hypertension

A condition indicated by a blood pressure of 140/90 or higher.

Pulse pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle relaxes.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that increase during allergic reactions.

Beta cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.