Endocrine System Vocabulary

Endocrine System

consists of glands and hormones that regulate the body

Target Cells

what hormones act upon

corticosteroids

reduce inflammation

pituitary

master gland of the endocrine system, found in the brain

growth hormone

stimulates cells to increase in size

prolactin

stimulates milk production for nursing

gonadotropins

male and female sex hormones

glucagon

causes breakdown of glycogen; raises blood sugar

Antiduretic hormone (ADH)

decreases urine formation

calcitonin

regulates calcium levels in the blood

adrenal medulla

secrets epinephrine

cortisol

stress hormone

aldosterone

maintains blood volume and pressure

epinephrine

hormone associated with "fight or flight"

oxytoicin

stimulates uterine contractions

islets of Langerhans

cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin

insulin

lowers blood sugar levels in the blood

pineal gland

secretes melatonin; regulates night/day activity

diabetes

disease where body does not regulate glucose levels

goiter

abnormal enlargement of the thyroid

FSH

affects ovulation in females

hormone

chemical messenger

thymus

gland with immune function; found near heart

Hypoglycemia

condition of having low blood sugar

hypothyroidism

low thyroxine production, may cause weight gain

hypothalamus

part of the brain that controls hormone function