tables

These flashcards cover key terms related to hormones and the immune system, explaining their functions and effects.

T3/T4

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism.

Calcitonin

A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that decreases calcium levels in the blood.

PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)

Hormone produced by the parathyroid gland that increases calcium levels in the blood.

Epinephrine

A hormone released by the adrenal medulla involved in the fight or flight response.

Cortisol

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that is involved in the stress response.

Aldosterone

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that conserves sodium (salt).

Insulin

A hormone released by the pancreas that decreases blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

A hormone released by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels.

Secretin

A hormone released from the small intestine that promotes the release of an alkaline mixture.

CCK (Cholecystokinin)

A hormone that stimulates the release of bile and pancreatic juice.

Prolactin

A hormone from the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates milk ejection.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

A hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates gonadotropin release.

Oxytocin

A hormone from the posterior pituitary gland involved in pregnancy and childbirth.

Melatonin

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

Nonspecific (Innate) Immunity

Immune responses that do not have a specific target or memory.

Specific (Adaptive) Immunity

Immune responses that target specific pathogens and have memory.

Cytotoxic T cells

Immune cells involved in destroying infected or cancerous cells.

Fever

A nonspecific immune response that increases body temperature to fight infection.

Plasma cells

B cells that produce antibodies in the immune response.

Stomach

Digestive organ that makes chyme and digests proteins with pepsin.

Small intestine

Digestive organ where final digestion occurs and nutrients are absorbed.

Lipids

Fats digested in the small intestine by lipase and bile.

Clonal selection

A process in adaptive immunity where specific B or T cells are activated.

Inflammation

A nonspecific immune response triggered by injury or infection.