Endocrine System Study Guide

These flashcards cover key hormones produced by the endocrine system, their functions, and their respective glands.

Norepinephrine

Increases heart rate, dilates airways, and acts as a vasoconstrictor.

Aldosterone

Regulates electrolyte levels such as sodium and potassium.

Cortisol

Increases fatty acid release and glucose synthesis from non-carbohydrates; commonly associated with stress.

Insulin

lowering blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Raises blood glucose levels.

Somatostatin

Inhibits the release of insulin and glucagon to help regulate metabolism.

Growth Hormone

Increases cell division, protein synthesis, and fat usage while decreasing carbohydrate use.

Prolactin

Helps with milk production in females and has an unknown role in males.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Causes the thyroid gland to secrete hormones.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Causes the adrenal gland to secrete glucocorticoids such as cortisol.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Causes development of sperm and growth of ovarian follicles.

Luteinizing Hormone

Stimulates ovulation in females and production of sex hormones.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Conserves water by decreasing urine production.

Oxytocin

Helps with contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during lactation.

Thyroxine (T4)

Increases metabolism and accelerates growth.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

More potent form that increases metabolism and accelerates growth.

Calcitonin

Lowers levels of blood calcium and phosphate by depositing them into bone.

Parathyroid Hormone

Raises levels of blood calcium and phosphate by causing breakdown of bone.

Epinephrine

Increases heart rate and acts as a vasodilator.

Melatonin

Regulates sleep cycles (circadian rhythms).

Thymosins

Plays a key role in the immune system by helping produce T-lymphocytes.

Estrogen

Responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in females and libido/sperm production.

Progesterone

Maintains menstrual cycles in females and sperm production in males.

Testosterone

Regulates bone health in both sexes and muscle growth/sperm production in males.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptides

Causes kidneys to excrete sodium and water, thus lowering blood volume and pressure.

Erythropoietin

Stimulates red blood cell production.

Osteocalcin

Associated with fight or flight response and calcium storage.