Endocrine System Review

A series of vocabulary flashcards to review key terms and concepts relevant to the endocrine system, its regulation, and hormonal functions.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various functions in the body.

Hormonal Regulation

The process by which hormones control and coordinate various physiological processes.

Positive Feedback Loop

A feedback mechanism that increases the output or activity of a system.

Negative Feedback Loop

A feedback mechanism that reduces the output or activity of a system, maintaining homeostasis.

Upregulation

The increase in the number or sensitivity of hormone receptors on target cells.

Downregulation

The decrease in the number or sensitivity of hormone receptors on target cells.

Anterior Pituitary

The front part of the pituitary gland that secretes hormones influencing other endocrine glands.

Posterior Pituitary

The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Thyroid Hormones

Hormones (T3 and T4) produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood, opposing calcitonin.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that promotes water retention in the kidneys.

Oxytocin

A hormone involved in childbirth and lactation, promoting uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Catecholamines

Hormones (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine) produced by the adrenal medulla that prepare the body for stress response.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate metabolism and immune response.

Lipid-Soluble Hormones

Hormones that can cross cell membranes and bind to internal receptors, often influencing gene expression.

Water-Soluble Hormones

Hormones that cannot cross cell membranes and bind to surface receptors, triggering secondary messenger systems.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythms.

Adrenal Gland

The gland located on top of each kidney, divided into the cortex and medulla.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females and spermatogenesis in males.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

Prolactin (PRL)

A hormone that stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that lowers calcium levels in the blood.

Circadian Rhythms

The natural process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other physiological processes on a roughly 24-hour cycle.

Hormonal Response to Stress

The release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol during stress to prepare the body for fight or flight.

Electrolyte Balance

The maintenance of proper levels of electrolytes in the body, critical for normal physiological function.

Vitamin D

A nutrient that is essential for calcium absorption and plays a critical role in bone health.

Fight or Flight Response

The body's acute stress response, often mediated by catecholamines.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids.

Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

A hormone that influences pigmentation of the skin and appetite.

Hormonal Secretion Patterns

The patterns of hormone release, including diurnal, pulsatile, and cyclic.

Neuroendocrine System

The interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system.

Stress Response Mechanism

The physiological changes in the body that occur in response to stressors. It involves the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, activating the fight-or-flight response → increase HR, increase BP

Hormonal Action Types

Direct effects on target cells or permissive effects where one hormone enhances another.