Endocrine System Vocabulary Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and definitions related to the Endocrine System as outlined in the lecture notes.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream to target tissues.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body, such as temperature and pH.

Neurohormones

Hormones secreted by neurons into the bloodstream, influencing target cells or glands.

Tropic Hormones

Hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to release hormones.

Negative Feedback

A regulatory mechanism in which a change in a certain direction causes a response that counteracts that change, maintaining homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A regulatory mechanism in which a change causes a response that enhances or increases that change.

Hypothalamus

A major control site of the nervous and endocrine systems, linking them through releasing and inhibiting neurohormones.

Pituitary Gland

An endocrine gland divided into the anterior and posterior portions, responsible for regulating various hormones.

Calcitonin

A hormone secreted by parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Aldosterone

A mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate sodium and water balance.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex that increases blood glucose levels and regulates metabolism.

Thyroid Hormones

Hormones, including T3 and T4, secreted by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism and influence growth.

Epinephrine

A hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla during stress, part of the body's fight-or-flight response.

Adrenal Cortex

The outer layer of the adrenal glands that produces steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone.