Endocrine System Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts regarding the endocrine system as discussed in lecture notes.

What is the main function of the endocrine system?

Regulates metabolic processes, growth, reproduction, and water and electrolyte balance.

What are hormones?

Chemical substances produced by endocrine glands that regulate various functions in the body.

What are the two classifications of hormones?

Steroids (from adrenal cortex and sex glands) and Proteins (all other hormones).

What are hormone receptors?

Sites on specific tissues where hormones bind, including membrane receptors and intracellular receptors.

What is the mechanism by which hormones bind to receptors?

Lock-and-key mechanism.

What is the feedback control in hormone secretion?

Includes negative and positive feedback loops.

What role does the hypothalamus play in relation to the pituitary gland?

It controls the function of the pituitary gland.

What hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland?

Growth hormone, Prolactin, and Tropic hormones.

What hormones does the posterior pituitary gland release?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin.

What is the primary hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), which maintains calcium homeostasis.

What are T3 and T4?

Thyroid hormones that regulate phases of metabolism, with T3 being more potent than T4.

Why is iodine important for thyroid hormone synthesis?

Iodine salts (iodides) are required for the production of T3 and T4.

What is calcitonin's function?

Helps regulate blood levels of calcium and phosphate.

What hormones do the adrenal cortex secrete?

Glucocorticoids (like cortisol), Mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone), and Sex hormones.

What is the function of the pancreas in the endocrine system?

Secretes insulin and glucagon, regulating blood sugar levels.

What are prostaglandins?

Localized hormones produced by many tissues involved in smooth muscle regulation and inflammatory response.

What hormones are secreted by adipose tissue?

Cytokines that affect insulin sensitivity.

What is the main function of the endocrine system?

Regulates metabolic processes, growth, reproduction, and water and electrolyte balance.

What are hormones?

Chemical substances produced by endocrine glands that regulate various functions in the body.

What are the two classifications of hormones?

Steroids (from adrenal cortex and sex glands) and Proteins (all other hormones).

What are hormone receptors?

Sites on specific tissues where hormones bind, including membrane receptors and intracellular receptors.

What is the mechanism by which hormones bind to receptors?

Lock-and-key mechanism.

What is the feedback control in hormone secretion?

Includes negative and positive feedback loops.

What role does the hypothalamus play in relation to the pituitary gland?

It controls the function of the pituitary gland.

What hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland?

Growth hormone, Prolactin, and Tropic hormones.

What hormones does the posterior pituitary gland release?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin.

What is the primary hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), which maintains calcium homeostasis.

What are T3 and T4?

Thyroid hormones that regulate phases of metabolism, with T3 being more potent than T4.

Why is iodine important for thyroid hormone synthesis?

Iodine salts (iodides) are required for the production of T3 and T4.

What is calcitonin's function?

Helps regulate blood levels of calcium and phosphate.

What hormones do the adrenal cortex secrete?

Glucocorticoids (like cortisol), Mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone), and Sex hormones.

What is the function of the pancreas in the endocrine system?

Secretes insulin and glucagon, regulating blood sugar levels.

What are prostaglandins?

Localized hormones produced by many tissues involved in smooth muscle regulation and inflammatory response.

What hormones are secreted by adipose tissue?

Cytokines that affect insulin sensitivity.

What is the role of insulin?

Regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular uptake of glucose.

What is glucagon?

Hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver.

What is the function of luteinizing hormone (LH)?

Triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production in males.

What is the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?

Stimulates growth of ovarian follicles in females and spermatogenesis in males.

What is the function of oxytocin?

Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

What do adrenal medulla hormones (like epinephrine) do?

Prepare the body for fight-or-flight responses, increasing heart rate and energy availability.

What is the effect of cortisol?

Regulates metabolism, reduces inflammation, and helps manage stress responses.

What is the primary function of the thymus?

Secrets thymosin, which stimulates the development of T-cells for the immune response.

What role do pheromones play?

Chemical signals released to communicate between individuals of the same species, affecting behavior and physiology.

What is the importance of progesterone?

Prepares the uterus for implantation of an embryo and helps maintain pregnancy.

What is the function of testosterone?

Involved in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and regulates sperm production.

What are the effects of estrogen?

Regulates female reproductive functions, secondary sexual characteristics, and menstrual cycle.

How do steroid hormones function?

They pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors, affecting gene expression.

What are the two main types of feedback mechanisms in the endocrine system?

Negative feedback and positive feedback.

What is a characteristic of peptide hormones?

They are water-soluble and cannot pass through cell membranes easily.

What is the role of the pineal gland?

Secretes melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.

What is diabetes mellitus?

A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or action.

What is syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)?

Condition characterized by excessive release of ADH, leading to water retention and diluted blood sodium levels.

What is acromegaly?

A disorder caused by excess growth hormone in adulthood, leading to enlarged bones and tissues.

What are glucocorticoids?

A class of steroids that regulate metabolism and immune response, commonly exemplified by cortisol.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in hormone regulation?

It links the nervous system to the endocrine system and releases hormones that control the pituitary gland.

What is Addison's disease?

A disorder caused by insufficient production of cortisol and often aldosterone by the adrenal glands.

What is Cushing's syndrome?

A condition caused by excess cortisol, leading to symptoms like weight gain and skin changes.

What is the role of growth hormone (GH)?

Stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in humans and other animals.

What is the endocrine function of the ovaries?

Produce estrogen and progesterone, regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

What is the function of the testes in the endocrine system?

Produce testosterone, essential for male reproductive functions and development of male characteristics.

What hormones control the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

What effect do parathyroid hormones have on bones?

Increase calcium levels in the blood by promoting the release of calcium from bones.

What is the role of renin in blood pressure regulation?

Renin is an enzyme that triggers a cascade affecting blood pressure and fluid balance.

What is the significance of somatostatin?

Inhibits the release of growth hormone and insulin, helping to regulate different endocrine functions.

What are the physiological effects of adrenaline?

Increases heart rate, expands air passages, and boosts energy availability, preparing the body for immediate physical activity.