Endocrine System

Flashcards summarizing key concepts of the endocrine system, including glands, hormones, and their functions.

Adrenal Gland

Also known as suprarenal glands; located superior to each kidney in the retroperitoneal space.

Adrenal Cortex

The outer region of the adrenal gland that secretes steroid hormones essential for life.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner region of the adrenal gland that produces catecholamine hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Mineralocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate mineral homeostasis, including sodium and potassium ions.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate metabolism and the body's response to stress.

Fight-or-Flight Response

Physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.

Pancreatic Islets

Clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secrete hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Insulin

Hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets that decreases plasma glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by alpha cells of the pancreatic islets that increases plasma glucose levels.

Thymus

A lymphoid organ located behind the sternum that promotes the maturation of T cells.

Melatonin

Hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Gluconeogenesis

The process of generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as proteins.

Glycogenolysis

The first step of breaking down glycogen into glucose.

Negative Feedback System

A regulatory mechanism in which a change causes responses that counteract the initial change, maintaining homeostasis.

Catecholamines

Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla including epinephrine and norepinephrine, involved in stress responses.

T cells

A type of white blood cell that matures in the thymus and plays a role in the immune response.