Introduction to the general functions of the endocrine system

Vocabulary flashcards covering key endocrine system terms and concepts from the lecture notes.

Endocrine system

A network of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate body processes and maintain homeostasis.

Hormone

A chemical messenger released by an endocrine gland that affects specific target cells with receptors.

Gland (endocrine vs exocrine)

Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones into the blood; exocrine glands secrete through ducts onto surfaces, cavities, or organs.

Ductless glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream with no ducts.

Exocrine gland

Glands that produce secretions released through ducts to body surfaces, cavities, or organs.

Target cell

A cell that has specific receptors for a hormone and responds to its signal.

Paracrine signaling

Chemical signals released by cells into the extracellular space affecting nearby cells.

Autocrine signaling

Chemical signals that act on the same cell that secreted them.

Intracrine signaling

Signaling where the chemical acts inside the secreting cell and does not leave the cell.

Primary endocrine organs

Organs whose main function is hormone production (e.g., anterior pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal cortex, endocrine pancreas, thymus).

Secondary endocrine structures

Organs that produce hormones but are not primarily endocrine (e.g., heart, kidneys, small intestine, testes, ovaries).

Neuroendocrine organ

Organs containing nervous tissue that secrete hormones or neurohormones (e.g., hypothalamus, pineal gland, adrenal medulla).

Melatonin

Hormone from the pineal gland that helps regulate circadian rhythms and sleep–wake cycles.

Adrenal gland

Gland located above the kidneys; consists of cortex and medulla and regulates stress response, mineral balance, and blood pressure.

Insulin

Pancreatic hormone that lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake into cells.

Glucagon

Pancreatic hormone that raises blood glucose by promoting glucose release from the liver.

Growth hormone

Pituitary hormone that stimulates growth of bones and tissues; interacts with thyroid hormones in development.

Thyroid hormone

Hormones from the thyroid that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Hormone from the posterior pituitary that regulates water balance and blood pressure.

Aldosterone

Adrenal cortex hormone that regulates sodium/potassium balance and influences blood pressure.

Receptors

Proteins on or in target cells that bind hormones to elicit a response.

Feedback regulation

Endocrine system uses feedback loops to maintain balanced hormone levels.

Digestive hormones

Gastrin, secretin, and other hormones regulate digestive processes.

Energy balance hormones

Leptin (and related signals) help regulate appetite and energy balance.

Testosterone

Male sex hormone produced by the testes; promotes male reproductive development and function.

Estrogen

Female sex hormone produced by the ovaries; regulates female reproductive development and cycles.

Progesterone

Female sex hormone produced by the ovaries; prepares the uterus for pregnancy and maintains pregnancy.

Sex hormones

Hormones involved in reproductive development and function (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone).