Endocrine System Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for the endocrine system.

Steroids

Lipid messengers that readily enter a cell; includes corticosteroids and anabolic steroids.

Peptides

Peptide messengers such as GH, Insulin, Semaglutide, and Erythropoietin (EPO).

Pituitary Gland

Signals the release of hormones from other glands; releases ACTH, FSH, LH, GH, PRL, TSH, Oxytocin, and ADH.

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)

Peptide hormone that stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal gland.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Peptide hormone that promotes sperm production and stimulates estrogen production by the ovaries.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Peptide hormone that stimulates ovulation and stimulates testosterone production.

GH (Growth Hormone)

Peptide hormone that maintains healthy muscles and manages fat.

PRL (Prolactin)

Peptide hormone that causes the production of breast milk.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

Peptide hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland.

Oxytocin

Peptide hormone that helps to progress labor.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Peptide hormone that regulates water balance.

Thyroid Gland

Regulates the rate at which calories are burned, controls heart rate, and maintains bones/muscles; produces T3, T4, and Calcitonin.

PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)

Peptide hormone that regulates blood calcium levels; produced by the parathyroid gland.

Thymus

Critical to the immune system; produces Thymosin, Thymopoietin, and Thymulin.

Adrenal Gland

Produces Cortisol, Aldosterone, Epinephrine, and Norepinephrine.

Cortisol

Steroid hormone that controls the body’s use of fat and controls sleep-wake cycles.

Aldosterone

Steroid hormone that regulates blood pressure.

Epinephrine/Norepinephrine

Peptide hormones that initiate fight or flight response.

Pancreas

Controls blood sugar; produces Glucagon.

Glucagon

Hormone that increases blood sugar.

Testosterone

Steroid hormone responsible for the development of muscle mass and bone, fertility.

Estrogen

Steroid hormone that regulates the reproductive cycle; produced by the ovaries.

Progesterone

Steroid hormone, also produced by the adrenal glands, that regulates the reproductive cycle.