Functional Anatomy of the Endocrine Glands

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the functional anatomy of the endocrine glands.

Endocrine System

A body system that uses hormones as messengers to control various functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that travel through blood to target cells, stimulating changes in metabolic activity.

Tropic Hormones

Hormones that stimulate another endocrine gland to release its hormones.

Target Cells

Cells that respond to specific hormones.

Pituitary Gland

The master endocrine gland that regulates other endocrine glands.

Neurohypophysis

The posterior part of the pituitary gland that stores neurohormones.

Hypophyseal Portal System

The blood vessel system that carries hypothalamic hormones to the pituitary gland.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A tropic hormone that targets the thyroid gland to stimulate hormone secretion.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A tropic hormone that targets the ovaries and testes, stimulating reproductive processes.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A tropic hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates hormone production in females and males.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone that targets the adrenal cortex and stimulates hormone release.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone that stimulates growth, protein synthesis, and fat mobilization.

Prolactin (PRL)

A hormone that stimulates milk production in breast tissue.

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during birth and milk ejection during lactation.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that stimulates water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

A thyroid hormone that increases the basal metabolic rate.

Thyroxine (T4)

A thyroid hormone that also increases the basal metabolic rate.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclast activity.

Thymus Gland

An organ involved in T lymphocyte development and immune response.

Adrenal Glands

Glands located on top of the kidneys that produce various hormones including adrenaline.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glucose release from the liver.

Estrogens

Hormones that regulate female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics.

Testosterone

A hormone that regulates male reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics.

Catecholamines

Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla, including epinephrine and norepinephrine.