Endocrine and Lymphatic System Review

A series of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture notes on the endocrine and lymphatic systems.

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone, stimulates release of steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex.

Adrenal Cortex Layers

Three layers known as zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis.

Zona Glomerulosa

The outermost layer of the adrenal cortex, primarily responsible for producing mineralocorticoids.

Zona Fasciculata

The middle layer of the adrenal cortex that produces glucocorticoids, such as cortisol.

Zona Reticularis

The innermost layer of the adrenal cortex responsible for producing androgens.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not dissolve in water and cannot travel through the bloodstream.

Hydrophilic

Substances that can easily dissolve in water and travel through the bloodstream.

Pancreas

An organ that produces hormones like insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones such as insulin and glucagon.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release glucose.

Parathyroid Gland

A gland responsible for regulating calcium ion levels in the blood, stimulates osteoclasts.

Blood Capillaries

Small blood vessels where exchange of gases and nutrients occurs between blood and tissues.

Lymphatic Capillaries

Small vessels that collect lymph fluid from tissues and are more permeable than blood capillaries.

Lymph

A fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, containing lymphocytes and waste products.

Hormone

A chemical messenger produced by glands that regulates physiological processes.

Gluconeogenesis

The process by which glucose is produced from non-carbohydrate sources, primarily in the liver.

Glucocorticoid

A class of steroid hormones, like cortisol, involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Adenohypophysis

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that produces and secretes hormones.

Neurohypophysis

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Oxytocin

A hormone released during childbirth that promotes uterine contractions through a positive feedback loop.

Diabetes Insipidus

A condition characterized by excessive thirst and urination due to inadequate levels of ADH.

ADH

Antidiuretic hormone, which helps regulate water balance in the body.

Hypophyseal Portal System

A network of blood vessels that links the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary.

Up Regulation

An increase in the number of hormone receptors on target cells, making them more sensitive to hormones.

Down Regulation

A decrease in the number of hormone receptors on target cells, making them less sensitive to hormones.

Peyer's Patches

Aggregated lymphoid nodules in the small intestine that help monitor intestinal bacteria.

MALT

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue; a component of the immune system found in mucosal tissues.

Lacteals

Lymphatic capillaries in the small intestine that absorb dietary fats.

Villi

Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.