Endocrine System Vocabulary Flashcards

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to the endocrine system, covering various hormones, glands, and physiological processes.

Hypothalamus

Secretes releasing hormones and controls the secretion of the anterior pituitary gland.

Thyroid hormones (T3, T4, calcitonin)

Secreted by the thyroid gland.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans to regulate blood glucose levels.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of cells within the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon.

Steroids

Include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens; secreted by the adrenal cortex.

Adrenal medulla

Secretes catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine; involved in the fight-or-flight response.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Hormone secreted by the neurohypophysis that stimulates kidney to conserve water.

Portal capillaries

Carry releasing hormones from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary gland.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Hormone that increases blood calcium levels and is secreted by the parathyroid glands.

Growth hormone (GH)

Stimulates growth and is secreted by the adenohypophysis.

Cretinism

A condition resulting from thyroid hormone deficiency in childhood, leading to stunted growth and intellectual disability.

Lactogenic hormone

Also known as prolactin, stimulates mammary glands to produce milk.

Cushing syndrome

Condition caused by excess cortisol, leading to symptoms like obesity and hypertension.

Addison's disease

Adrenal insufficiency leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight loss.

Negative feedback control

Mechanism by which the secretion of a hormone is regulated by the hormone's effects.

Calcitonin

Hormone secreted by the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Adenohypophysis

Anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that secretes various hormones.

Pineal gland

Secretes melatonin, regulating biological rhythms.

Melatonin

Regulates sleep-wake cycles and is secreted by the pineal gland.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone, secreted by the testes.

Estrogens

Group of hormones responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

Hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy.

Pancreas

Organ that produces hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Type 1 diabetes

Autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

Condition characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.

Feedback inhibition

Regulatory mechanism where an increase in the output of a system inhibits its own production.

Hormone receptor

Cellular structure that binds hormones to initiate a response.

Neurohypophysis

Posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stores and releases ADH and oxytocin.

Fasting

Period of time without food resulting in low blood glucose levels, stimulating insulin release.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Glycogen

Stored form of glucose in liver and muscle cells.

Adrenal cortex

Outer layer of the adrenal glands that produces steroid hormones.

Hormonal regulation

Processes controlled by hormones to maintain physiological balance.

Thyroid gland

Endocrine gland responsible for metabolism regulation through hormone production.

Peptide hormones

Hormones composed of amino acids, including insulin and glucagon.

Steroid hormones

Lipophilic hormones synthesized from cholesterol.

Hormone signaling

Communication process between glands and target organs via hormones.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps control metabolism.

Aldosterone

A mineralocorticoid hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels.

Oxytocin

Hormone involved in childbirth and lactation, secreted by the posterior pituitary.

Raise blood glucose levels

Primary function of glucagon released from alpha cells in the pancreas.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Hormone that stimulates bile secretion and pancreatic enzyme release.

Insulin receptor

Membrane protein that facilitates the action of insulin.

Blood glucose regulation

Maintaining optimal glucose levels via insulin and glucagon.

Somatostatin

Hormone that inhibits the secretion of other hormones, including insulin and glucagon.

Releasing hormones

Hormones produced by the hypothalamus that stimulate pituitary hormone release.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

Stimulates the release of TSH from the anterior pituitary.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Stimulates ovulation and testosterone production, secreted by the adenohypophysis.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Stimulates ovarian follicle development and spermatogenesis, secreted by the anterior pituitary.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

An antibody involved in allergic reactions and responses.

Hypopituitarism

Condition characterized by inadequate hormone production from the pituitary gland.

Hyperthyroidism

Excess thyroid hormone production, leading to increased metabolism.

Hypothyroidism

Insufficient thyroid hormone production, leading to decreased metabolism.

Menopause

The cessation of menstruation and fertility in females, accompanied by hormonal changes.

Androgens

Male hormones that regulate the development of male traits.

Pituitary gland

Master gland that regulates various endocrine functions through hormonal release.

Hormonal balance

Maintaining appropriate levels of hormones for bodily functions.

Thyroid disorders

Conditions affecting thyroid hormone production (e.g., goiter, Graves' disease).

Endocrine signals

Chemical signals (hormones) released into the bloodstream to elicit responses.

Insulin sensitivity

Measure of how responsive cells are to insulin's effects on glucose uptake.

Hormonal feedback loop

Mechanism by which hormone levels are regulated.

Pancreatic islet cells

Clusters of hormone-producing cells in the pancreas.

Glycolysis

Metabolic process that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy.

Cell signaling

Process by which cells communicate and respond to their environment through receptors.

Diabetes insipidus

Disorder characterized by inadequate ADH leading to excessive urination.

Neuroendocrine signaling

Interaction between the nervous and endocrine systems via hormones.

Hormonal axes

Functional pathways linking glands to regulate physiological processes.

Erythropoiesis

Production of red blood cells regulated by erythropoietin.

Blood calcium regulation

Maintained by PTH and calcitonin to prevent hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia.

Gonads

Reproductive glands that secrete sex hormones and produce gametes.

Cord blood banking

Storage of umbilical cord blood for potential future medical use.

Antenatal care

Health care during pregnancy to monitor and promote maternal and fetal health.

Gestational age

Duration of pregnancy measured from the first day of the last menstrual period.

Placental function

Exchange of nutrients and waste between maternal and fetal circulation.

Fetal development stages

Zygote, blastocyst, embryo, fetus.

Infertility treatments

Medical interventions to assist with conception.

Outcomes of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)

Techniques to enhance reproduction, including IVF.

Chromosomal abnormalities

Genetic variations that can lead to conditions such as Down syndrome.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

Labor stages

The process of childbirth divided into dilation, expulsion, and placental stages.

Cervical dilation

Widening of the cervix in preparation for childbirth.

Breastfeeding duration

Time period for nursing an infant with maternal milk.

Somatic cell

Any cell of the body except sperm and egg.

Gamete

A mature haploid sexual reproductive cell (sperm or egg).

Zygote

A fertilized ovum that develops into an embryo.

Lactation period

Duration during which a mother produces milk for her infant.

Genetic inheritance

Passing traits from parents to offspring.

Gestational age estimation

Calculating the age of a fetus based on ovulation and conception dates.

Cloned embryos

Embryos created with genetic material from a single parent.

Biological clock

The innate timing mechanisms regulating reproductive cycle.

Fertility awareness

Monitoring physiological changes to predict ovulation.

IVF success rate

Percentage of successful pregnancies through in vitro fertilization.

Birth defects

Congenital anomalies resulting from genetic or environmental factors.

Perinatal care

Supportive health care for mothers and infants around the time of birth.

Prenatal vitamins

Dietary supplements recommended during pregnancy.

Postpartum period

Time following childbirth when physical recovery occurs.

Chromosomal issues

Genetic disorders associated with abnormal chromosome numbers.

Infant development stages

Milestones assessing physical and cognitive growth during infancy.

Maternal-fetal medicine

Specialty focusing on managing high-risk pregnancies.