Endocrinology Exam Review

100 flashcards covering key concepts related to endocrinology, focusing on hormones, their functions, and physiological impacts.

Oxytocin

A nonapeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus, involved in childbirth and lactation.

Vasopressin

Also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), regulates water retention in the kidneys.

Nonapeptide

A peptide consisting of nine amino acids.

Cystine disulfide bond

A covalent bond that links two cysteine residues in proteins.

Radioactive sulfur (35S)

A tracer used in experiments to track the production of hormones.

Neural pituitary

A type of pituitary gland found in tetrapods, involved in hormone production.

Prohormone

An inactive precursor to a hormone that is converted into an active form.

Neurophysin I

A protein that carries oxytocin in the bloodstream.

Neurophysin II

A protein that carries vasopressin in the bloodstream.

Oxytocin receptor

A receptor that binds to oxytocin, facilitating its physiological effects.

G-coupled protein receptor

A receptor that activates G-proteins to initiate intracellular signaling.

Estrogen response element (ERE)

DNA sequences that estrogen-bound receptors bind to regulate gene expression.

Myoepithelial cells

Muscle-like cells that contract to facilitate milk ejection from mammary glands.

Postpartum lactation

The process of milk production and ejection after childbirth.

Prostaglandin

Hormone-like substances that perform various functions, including stimulating contractions.

Myometrium

The smooth muscle layer of the uterus that contracts during childbirth.

Maternal behavior

The behaviors exhibited by a mother toward her offspring.

Prairie voles

Rodents known for forming long-term monogamous pair bonds.

Anxiolytic

A substance that reduces anxiety.

Corticosterone

A steroid hormone released in response to stress.

Osmoregulation

The process of maintaining the osmotic pressure of bodily fluids.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands to regulate calcium levels.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT)

The regulatory pathway involving the hypothalamus, pituitary, and thyroid gland.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

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

Thyroglobulin (Tg)

A large protein produced by the thyroid gland that stores thyroid hormones.

T3 (Triiodothyronine)

An active thyroid hormone that plays a role in metabolism.

T4 (Thyroxine)

An inactive precursor hormone that is converted to T3.

Deiodination

The removal of iodine from thyroid hormones, often converting T4 to T3.

Calcitonin

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

Pituitary diabetes insipidus

A condition caused by insufficient production of vasopressin.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

A condition where the kidneys do not respond to vasopressin.

Endoderm

The innermost layer of cells in early embryonic development that forms various organs.

Eutherian mammals

Placental mammals in which oxytocin and vasopressin have distinct roles.

Castration

The removal of the testes in males, which affects hormone production.

Stretch receptors

Specialized nerve endings that respond to changes in the tension of tissues.

Cognitive functions

Mental processes involving thinking, learning, and memory.

Gap junctions

Intercellular connections that allow for the passage of ions and small molecules.

Pulmonary blood flow

The volume of blood moving through the pulmonary circuit, influenced by hormones.

Hormone signaling pathway

The series of actions through which hormones communicate with target cells.

Membrane-bound receptors

Receptors located on the surface of cells to bind specific hormones.

Hormonal regulation

The control of physiological processes through the release of hormones.

Coactivators

Proteins that enhance the expression of target genes by assisting nuclear receptors.

Cholesterol

A type of lipid that serves as a precursor for steroid hormones.

Sodium-iodine symporter (NIS)

A protein that transports iodide into thyroid follicular cells.

TBG (Thyroxine-binding globulin)

A carrier protein that binds thyroid hormones in the bloodstream.

Tributyltin (TBT)

A compound known to disrupt hormonal functions in wildlife.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood.

Peroxisomes

Cellular organelles involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and reactive oxygen species.

Methimazole

A medication used to treat hyperthyroidism by reducing thyroid hormone production.

Fertility hormones

Hormones involved in the regulation of reproductive functions.

Hormone replacement therapy

A treatment to relieve symptoms of hormonal deficiency.

Anorexia

An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight.

Hypertension

High blood pressure often linked to hormonal imbalance.

Menopause

The time in a woman's life when menstrual cycles cease, often influenced by hormones.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses in the nervous system.

Pituitary gland

A small gland that secretes hormones regulating various physiological processes.

Adrenal glands

Glands located atop the kidneys that produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge and are vital for various bodily functions.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Corticosteroids

A class of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.

Stimulation

The act of encouraging or intensifying a physiological response.

Negative feedback

A regulatory mechanism in which a change in a physiological variable triggers a response that counteracts that change.

Heat regulation

The process through which the body maintains an optimal temperature.

Hormonal metabolites

Substances formed in the body after the metabolism of hormones.

Hypercalcemia

An abnormally high level of calcium in the blood, often due to excessive PTH.

Hypocalcemia

An abnormally low level of calcium in the blood.

Kidney stones

Hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys.

Thyroidectomy

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid function tests

Tests used to assess the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Treatments for dysfunction

Various medical interventions to correct hormonal imbalances.

Hormonal assay

A laboratory test to measure hormone levels in the body.

Hormonal therapies

Treatments utilizing hormones to manipulate physiological processes.

Trace minerals

Elements required by the body in small amounts for various functions.

Vitamin D

A vitamin crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.

Biochemical pathways

Series of reactions in the body where substrates are converted into products.