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Endocrine System
A collection of glandular tissues that communicate information to cellular targets throughout the body.
Hormone
A primary chemical messenger in the endocrine system, secreted into the bloodstream to diffuse to target tissues.
Anterior Pituitary Gland
An endocrine gland under direct control of the hypothalamus that secretes hormones like ACTH, LH, FSH, GH, TSH, and PRL.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH)
A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release ACTH.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol.
Cortisol
A stress hormone secreted by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex as a response to ACTH.
Thyroid Gland
An endocrine gland that responds to TSH by secreting T3 and T4, which increase cellular metabolism.
Follicular Cells
Simple cuboidal cells in the thyroid gland that secrete T3 and T4.
Calcitonin
A hormone secreted by parafollicular cells in the thyroid that regulates calcium levels in the blood.
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that increases reabsorption of calcium in the body.
Zona Glomerulosa
The outermost layer of the adrenal cortex that secretes aldosterone, important for regulating blood pressure.
Zona Fasciculata
The middle layer of the adrenal cortex responsible for cortisol production in response to ACTH.
Zona Reticularis
The innermost layer of the adrenal cortex that produces a precursor to estrogen called DHEA.
Islet of Langerhans
Structures in the pancreas containing endocrine cells responsible for secreting insulin and glucagon.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by beta cells of the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.
Glucagon
A hormone secreted by alpha cells of the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.
Diabetes
A medical condition resulting from a lack of beta cells or unresponsiveness to insulin.
Chief Cells
Cells in the parathyroid gland responsible for secreting parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Oxyphil Cells
Larger, pale-staining cells in the parathyroid glands with no known function.
Hypophyseal Portal System
The blood vessel system that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.
