Week 5 _ Day 1 _ HLTB22

Endocrine System

A system consisting of glands that produce hormones and regulate various bodily functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, and mood.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain linking the nervous and endocrine systems, which drives the endocrine system.

Pituitary Gland

A gland that receives signals from the hypothalamus and releases hormones such as growth hormone and oxytocin.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that promotes water reabsorption by the kidneys.

Oxytocin (OT)

A hormone that stimulates milk production and uterine contractions.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

Thyroid Hormone (TH)

A hormone that regulates metabolism and promotes development in multiple body systems.

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Insulin

A hormone made by the pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune disease that requires insulin to live and usually develops in children.

Type 2 Diabetes

A form of diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and often develops in adults.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions including abdominal obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, hypertension, and insulin resistance.

Pre-diabetes

A condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Glycemic Index

A measure of the impact of a food on blood glucose levels after consumption.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that can interfere with the body’s hormones, potentially leading to health issues.

Epinephrine

A hormone released from the adrenal glands, often called adrenaline, that triggers the 'fight-or-flight' response.

Hyperglycemia

Elevated levels of glucose in the blood, often associated with diabetes.

Insulin Resistance

A condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

Hemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c)

A blood test that assesses average glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.