37: Endocrine System (Studyguide)

Adrenal Cortex

outer portion of adrenal glands that produces corticosteroids

Adrenal glands

endocrine glands associated with the kidneys

Adrenal medulla

inner portion of adrenal glands that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

hormone released by the anterior pituitary, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to release
corticosteroids during the long-term stress response

Aldosterone

steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that stimulates the reabsorption of Na+ from extracellular fluids and secretion of K+

Alpha Cell

endocrine cell of the pancreatic islets that produces the hormone glucagon

Amino-acid derived hormone

hormone derived from amino acids

Androgen

male sex hormone such as testosterone

Anterior pituitary

portion of the pituitary gland that produces six hormones; also called adenohypophysis

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary that increases water reabsorption by the kidneys – aka Vasopressin

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

hormone produced by the heart to reduce blood volume, pressure, and Na+ concentration

Beta Cell

endocrine cell of the pancreatic islets that produces the hormone insulin

Calcitonin

hormone produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland that functions to lower blood Ca2+ levels and promote bone growth

Corticosteroid

hormone released by the adrenal cortex in response to long-term stress

Cortisol

glucocorticoid produced in response to stress

Diabetes mellitus

disorder caused by low levels of insulin activity

Endocrine gland

gland that secretes hormones into the surrounding interstitial fluid, which then diffuse into blood and are carried to various organs and tissues within the body

Epinephrine

hormone released by the adrenal medulla in response to a short term stress

Erythropoietin (EPO)

hormone produced by the kidneys to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow

Estrogens

a group of steroid hormones, including estradiol and several others, that are produced by the ovaries and elicit a suite of characteristics (including increased development of breast tissue,redistribution of fat towards hips, legs, and breast, and the maturation of the uterus and vagina) as well as control the maturation of the ova

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates gamete production

Glucagon

hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas in response to low blood sugar; functions to raise blood sugar levels

Goiter

enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by insufficient dietary iodine levels

Gonadotropin

hormone that regulates the gonads, including FSH and LH

Growth Hormone (GH)

hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that promotes protein synthesis and body growth

Hormone receptor

the cellular protein that binds to a hormone

Hypothyroidism

underactivity of the thyroid gland

Insulin

hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to high blood glucose levels; functions to lower blood glucose levels

Intracellular hormone receptor

a hormone receptor in the cytoplasm or nucleus of a cell

islets of Langerhans (pancreatic islets)

endocrine cells of the pancreas

Isthmus

tissue mass that connects the two lobes of the thyroid gland

Leptin

hormone produced by adipose tissue that promotes feelings of satiety and reduces hunger

Lipid-derived hormone

hormone derived mostly of cholesterol

Norepinephrine

hormone released by the adrenal medulla in response to a short-term stress hormone
production by the gonads

Oxytocin

hormone released by the posterior pituitary to stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth and milk let-down in the mammary glands

Pancreas

organ located between the stomach and the small intestine that contains exocrine and
endocrine cells

Parathyroid gland

gland located on the surface of the thyroid that produces parathyroid hormone

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

hormone produced by the parathyroid glands in response to low blood Ca2+ levels; functions to raise blood Ca2+ levels

Peptide hormone

hormone composed of a poly-peptide chain

Pituitary gland

endocrine gland located at the base of the brain composed of an anterior and posterior region; also called hypophysis

Pituitary stalk (also, infundibulum)

stalk that connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus

Plasma membrane hormone receptor

a hormone receptor on the surface of the plasma membrane of a cell

Posterior pituitary

extension of the brain that releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus; along with the infundibulum, it is also referred to as the neurohypophysis

Prolactin (PRL)

hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates milk production

Renin

enzyme produced by the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidneys that reacts with
angiotensinogen to cause the release of aldosterone

Thymus

gland located behind the sternum that produces thymosin hormones that contribute to the development of the immune system

Thyroglobulin

glycoprotein found in the thyroid that is converted into thyroid hormone

Thyroid gland

endocrine gland located in the neck that produces thyroid hormones thyroxine and
triiodothyronine

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that controls the release of T3 and T4 from the thyroid gland