The Endocrine System: Anatomy and Histology

A comprehensive set of fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering the gross anatomy, hormones, and histology of the endocrine system as presented in the BIO 2102 Unit 1 Lab materials.

To access specific practice materials on histological slides, students should use __________ in the study area of courseware.

Practice Anatomy Lab (PAL 3.1)

The __________ pituitary produces multiple hormones and is part of various endocrine axes including GH, TSH, and ACTH.

anterior

The posterior pituitary stores and releases __________ and oxytocin, which are produced in the hypothalamus.

ADH

The __________ is the structure of the pituitary gland that contains the hypophyseal portal system.

Infundibulum

The pituitary gland/hypophysis is located within the __________ of the skull.

Sella turcica

The __________ gland secretes melatonin to regulate sleep/wake cycles in response to light and dark.

Pineal

The thyroid gland produces __________ and __________ to regulate metabolism.

$T_3$ and $T_4$

The __________ glands secrete a hormone that serves to raise blood calcium levels.

parathyroid

Found in children, the thymus secretes __________ to promote immune system maturation.

Thymosin

In the pancreas, __________ cells secrete glucagon to raise blood glucose levels.

Alpha

In the pancreas, __________ cells secrete insulin to lower blood glucose levels.

Beta

Histologically, the endocrine portion of the pancreas is composed of the __________.

Islets of Langerhans

The exocrine portion of the pancreas contains __________ cells and ducts.

Acinar

The __________ is the specific part of the adrenal gland that produces epinephrine for the fight-or-flight response.

adrenal medulla

The histological cells found within the adrenal medulla are called __________ cells.

chromaffin

The __________ of the adrenal cortex produces mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone to control blood pressure.

Zona glomerulosa

The __________ of the adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids, specifically cortisol, as a stress hormone.

Zona fasciculata

The __________ of the adrenal cortex produces androgens, which are sex hormones related to growth and reproduction.

Zona reticularis

The thyroid gland is composed of thyroid follicles which contain a central material called __________ and are lined by __________ follicular cells.

colloid; simple cuboidal

In the thyroid gland, the __________ cells, also known as C cells, are located between the follicles.

Parafollicular

The __________ produce testosterone to aid in sperm production and promote secondary sex characteristics.

testes

The __________ produce estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and promote secondary sex characteristics.

ovaries