Endocrine System and Autonomic Nervous System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system, including hormonal functions and the role of various glands.

Beta cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, which lowers blood glucose.

Delta cells

Cells that release somatostatin to inhibit both insulin and glucagon.

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) cells

Cells that produce pancreatic polypeptide, which regulates pancreatic secretions.

Estrogen

Hormone that develops and maintains the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy.

Inhibin

Hormone that inhibits the production of FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone).

Testosterone

Hormone that develops and maintains male reproductive tissues and secondary sex characteristics.

Thyroid gland

Butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, heart rate, and calcium levels.

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)

Hormones that control metabolism and energy use.

Calcitonin

Hormone that helps regulate calcium levels by reducing blood calcium.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Hormone that increases blood calcium levels and promotes calcium absorption from the intestines.

Adrenal cortex

Outer layer of the adrenal glands that regulates metabolism and stress response through glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones, mainly cortisol, that regulate metabolism and stress response.

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Hormone that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' response.

Hypothalamus

Small brain region that links the nervous and endocrine systems and produces hormones controlling the pituitary gland.

Pituitary gland

Often called the master gland, it controls various endocrine glands and regulates growth and metabolism.

Anterior Pituitary

Part of the pituitary gland that produces hormones like GH, TSH, and ACTH.

Posterior Pituitary

Part of the pituitary gland that releases ADH and oxytocin.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest-and-digest' functions.

Somatic Reflexes

Reflexes that involve skeletal muscles, such as the knee-jerk reflex.

Visceral Reflexes

Reflexes that involve smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or glands.

Blood-Brain Barrier

Protective barrier formed by astrocytes and capillary endothelial cells that filters substances entering the brain.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, primarily serving the head and neck.