Endocrine System Flashcards

Flashcards about the endocrine system, hormones, and related glands.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones to regulate body function, working in parallel with the nervous system to maintain homeostasis.

Hormones

Chemical messengers released by cells in one part of the body that affect cells in other parts, speeding up or slowing down processes.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment, achieved through the combined efforts of the endocrine and nervous systems.

Target Cells

Cells that contain receptor proteins to which hormones bind, triggering specific reactions within the cell.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones made from cholesterol. They are fat-soluble but not water-soluble.

Protein Hormones

Hormones made of chains of amino acids and are water-soluble.

Cyclic AMP

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate. It activates enzymes in the cell after protein hormones attach to receptor sites.

Negative Feedback Loops

A control mechanism where hormone action is regulated to maintain hormone levels within a normal range.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that controls the pituitary gland by secreting hormones that stimulate or inhibit pituitary hormone release.

Pituitary Gland

An endocrine gland controlled by the hypothalamus, which secretes stimulating hormones that act on other glands.

hGH

Human Growth Hormone. It's produced by the anterior pituitary gland to regulate growth, development, and metabolism.

Gigantism

A condition resulting from excessive amounts of hGH in children, leading to abnormal growth.

Acromegaly

A condition resulting from overproduction of hGH in adults, causing widening of bones and soft tissues.

Thyroxine (T4)

The main hormone released by the thyroid gland that increases the oxidation of sugars and other nutrients to control metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism

Overproduction of thyroxine (T4), leading to symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and weight loss.

Hypothyroidism

Extremely low quantities of thyroxine produced, leading to symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and weight gain.

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland due to insufficient iodine intake.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that stimulates the breakdown of bone material to secrete calcium into the blood.

Calcitonin

Is produced in the thyroid gland and reduces the calcium levels in the blood, by opposing the actions of the parathyroid hormone

Adrenal Glands

Glands located on top of the kidneys that produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

Cortisol

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands; it regulates metabolism and helps the body respond to stress.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, increasing heart rate and blood flow.

Pancreas

An organ that produces insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to enter cells.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release glucose.

Diabetes Mellitus

A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin or insulin resistance.

Ovaries (Female)

Female reproductive organs that produce estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen

A hormone produced by the ovaries that promotes the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the ovaries that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports pregnancy.

Testes (Male)

Male reproductive organs that produce testosterone.

Testosterone

A hormone produced by the testes that promotes