Major Endocrine Glands and Hormones (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major endocrine glands, their hormones, and key functions from the lecture notes.

Pituitary gland

Master gland that releases growth hormone and regulatory hormones (e.g., thyroid-stimulating hormone) to control growth and other endocrine glands.

Growth hormone

Hormone from the pituitary that promotes body growth and regulates other hormone release.

Thyroid gland

Gland that secretes thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) which regulate metabolism and energy use.

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)

Thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, energy expenditure, and appetite.

Pineal gland

Gland in the brain that secretes melatonin to help regulate biological rhythms, especially sleep.

Melatonin

Hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.

Adrenal gland

Gland atop each kidney that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine for the stress response and increased metabolic activity.

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Hormone triggering the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and energy availability.

Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

Hormone involved in stress response and alertness; supports epinephrine in arousal.

Pancreas

Gland that produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

Insulin

Hormone that lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake into cells.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose by signaling the liver to release glucose.

Gonads (ovaries and testes)

Ovaries (females) and testes (males) that produce sex hormones and influence reproduction and secondary sex characteristics.

Ovaries

Gonads that produce estrogen and progesterone; contribute to the female reproductive cycle and secondary sex traits.

Testes

Gonads that produce androgens (primarily testosterone); drive male reproductive development and secondary sex characteristics.

Estrogen

Major female sex hormone; regulates female reproduction and secondary sex characteristics; influences sexual motivation and behavior.

Progesterone

Female sex hormone important for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy; supports reproduction.

Androgens (Testosterone)

Male sex hormones; regulate sexual motivation/behavior, reproduction, and secondary sex characteristics.

Hypothalamus

Not a gland; a brain region that controls the endocrine system via the pituitary.

Anabolic steroids

Synthetic steroids that mimic testosterone; can increase muscle mass and strength but carry risks (acne, heart issues, mood changes) and are banned in many sports.

Testes vs Ovaries (differences)

Testes produce more androgens; ovaries show more cyclic hormone patterns (e.g., menstrual cycle).

Hypothalamic-pituitary control

Hypothalamus regulates the pituitary to coordinate endocrine system function.

Steroid use in sports

Ethical issue; anabolic steroids are banned in most leagues due to unfair advantage and health risks.