Endocrine System Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the endocrine system.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Main Endocrine Glands

Includes the pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pineal gland.

Pineal Gland

Its primary hormone is melatonin, which influences daily rhythms and may have an antigonadotropic effect in humans.

Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis cerebri)

A small gland hanging by a stalk, the infundibulum, resting on the body of the sphenoid bone.

Posterior Lobe (Pituitary Gland)

Secretions stimulate contraction of the uterus (oxytocin) and the retention of water in the body (antidiuretic hormone).

Thyroid Gland

Lies in front of the neck, consists of 2 lobes and an isthmus, and secretes thyroid hormone (thyroxin) which stimulates metabolism.

Parathyroid Glands

Regulate the relative amounts of calcium in the blood and in the bones.

Thymus Gland

Largest and most active during the neonatal and pre-adolescent periods, atrophying during the early teens.

Adrenal Medulla

Secrete adrenaline and nor-adrenaline.

Islets of Langerhans (Pancreas)

Release the hormone insulin and glucagon into the blood stream.

Ovaries

Secrete estrogen and progesterone.

Testes

Secrete androgens (testosterone).