Final Quiz anatomy

Endocrine gland

secretes hormones directly through the blood stream to influence functions of distant target cells

Hypothalamus

a critical brain structure linking the nervous and endocrine systems, acting as the main controller of body homeostasis. It regulates pituitary gland function

Anterior Pituitary

adenohypophysis, produces and releases hormones regulating growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses. Controlled by the hypothalamus, it releases six primary hormones—GH, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, and Prolactin

Posterior Pituitary

neurohypophysis, made of nervous tissue, Oxytocin and Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system

a network of blood vessels connecting the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary, allowing rapid, direct transport of regulatory hormones

Thyroid gland

a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in the lower neck that regulates metabolism, energy, and growth by releasing triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)

Thyroid follicle

spherical subunit of the thyroid gland which thyroid hormones are produced and stored

Parathyroid gland

four small, pea-sized endocrine glands located behind the thyroid in the neck, primarily responsible for regulating calcium homeostasis in the blood, produce parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Adrenal cortex

The adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands situated atop the kidneys, is a vital component of the endocrine system that produces steroid hormones

Adrenal medulla

the inner part of the adrenal gland that functions as part of the endocrine system to manage acute stress. It secretes catecholamines— (epinephrine and norepinephrine)- triggering the rapid "fight-or-flight" response

Pancreas

gland in the upper abdomen that regulates blood sugar and metabolism by secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream., Releasing insulin (lowers blood sugar) and glucagon (raises blood sugar) to maintain homeostasis

Pancreatic islets

small clusters of endocrine cells scattered throughout the pancreas (1–2% of its mass) that regulate blood sugar levels. contain specialized cells—y alpha (producing glucagon) and beta (producing insulin)

Pineal gland

Gland located deep in the center of the brain, functions as a neuroendocrine organ, secretes melatonin

Thymus

Gland located in the upper chest, vital for maturing T-cells that fight infection. produces hormones—chiefly thymosin, thymopoietin, and thymulin—which stimulate T-cell maturation and immune function

Testes

male gonads that act as endocrine glands, producing testosterone, inhibin B, and other hormones crucial for spermatogenesis, sexual development, and male physical traits

Ovaries

produce oocytes (eggs) and secrete primary sex hormones—estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, and develop secondary sex characteristics

Leptin

a hormone primarily secreted by adipose tissue (fat cells) regulator of energy balance, hunger, and body weight

Atrial natriuretic peptide

secreted by atrial myocytes, triggers relaxation of smooth muscle

Erythropoietin

Hormone produced by the kidneys that increases erythrocyte production and decreases maturation time

Seminiferous tubules

highly coiled microscopic tubes located within the testes responsible for producing, maintaining, and maturing sperm through a process called spermatogenesis

Ductus deferens

muscular tube in the male reproductive system that transports mature sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. It acts as a conduit and storage site for sperm, using smooth muscle contractions to move sperm during ejaculation

Seminal vesicles

a pair of 3–5 cm long, coiled tubular glands located behind the bladder and above the prostate. They produce roughly 70% of the total semen volume, providing fructose for energy, prostaglandins for motility, and an alkaline fluid that protects sperm

Prostate gland

accessory gland in the male reproductive system the produces prostatic secretions - a component of semen

Myometrium

the thick, middle muscular layer of the uterus, composed mainly of smooth muscle cells (myocytes) and connective tissue. It functions to support pregnancy via expansion

Endometrium

the inner, dynamic, hormone-responsive lining of the uterus that thickens monthly to prepare for embryo implantation

Perineum

a diamond-shaped area of skin and muscle located between the anus and the vulva (females) or scrotum (males). It supports the pelvic outlet, aids in sexual function, and is crucial for bowel and bladder control

Mammary glands

organ that undergoes development during puberty and pregnancy, regulated by hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and growth hormone

Ovarian follicle

small, fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries that house and nourish immature eggs (oocytes). They play a crucial role in fertility by developing, selecting, and releasing a mature egg for potential fertilization while secreting hormones (estrogen, progesterone) that manage the menstrual cycle

Corpus Luteum

a temporary, yellow endocrine gland in the ovary that forms from a broken follicle after ovulation. Its primary function is to secrete progesterone and estrogen to maintain the uterine lining, preparing the body for pregnancy

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy that supports fetal development and maintains progesterone production. Known as the "pregnancy hormone," it is used to detect pregnancy, treat infertility by triggering ovulation