Chapter 9: The Endocrine System

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering medical terminology, anatomical structures, hormones, disorders, and clinical terms of the endocrine system from Chapter 9.

The endocrine system

A body system composed of glands—such as the pineal, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, thymus, adrenals, pancreas, and gonads (testes or ovaries)—that secrete hormones to regulate body functions.

Glands

Cell groupings that function as a secretory organ.

Hormones

Chemicals secreted by endocrine glands that work with the nervous system to help maintain homeostasis (chemical balance) throughout the body.

Aden/o

Combining form meaning gland.

Adren/o; adrenal/o

Combining forms meaning adrenal glands.

Calc/i

Combining form meaning calcium.

Endocrin/o

Combining form meaning secreting internally.

Gluc/o; glyc/o

Combining forms meaning sugar, glucose, or glycogen.

Hypophys/o

Combining form meaning pituitary gland.

-ine

Suffix used in the formation of names of chemical substances.

-megaly

Suffix meaning enlargement.

-oma

Suffix meaning tumor.

Pancreat/o

Combining form meaning pancreas.

Parathyr/o; parathyroid/o

Combining forms meaning parathyroid gland.

Thyr/o; thyroid/o

Combining forms meaning thyroid gland.

-tropin

Suffix meaning nourishment or stimulation.

-pathy

Suffix meaning disease of.

-uria

Suffix meaning urine.

Pituitary gland

The master gland (or hypophysis) that controls the activities of the other endocrine glands; divided into an anterior lobe and a posterior lobe.

Adenohypophysis

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland; secretes growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin hormone (PRL).

Neurohypophysis

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland; secretes antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.

Intermediate lobe

The middle lobe of the pituitary gland; secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).

Thyroid gland

Butterfly-shaped gland wrapping around the larynx that regulates cell growth, body metabolism, and calcium levels through thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin (CT).

Parathyroid glands

Four glands consisting of a superior pair and an inferior pair located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland; regulate blood calcium levels via parathormone (PTH).

Adrenal glands

Two triangular-shaped glands (also known as suprarenal glands) positioned above each kidney, each consisting of an outer adrenal cortex and an inner adrenal medulla.

Adrenal cortex

The outer layer of the adrenal gland that secretes cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.

Cortisol

Hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that helps the body cope with stress.

Aldosterone

Hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that aids in sodium regulation.

Androgens

Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex that contribute to the development of male sex characteristics.

Adrenal medulla

The inner layer of the adrenal gland that secretes epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

Islets of Langerhans

Specialized cells within the pancreas that produce insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels and glucose metabolism.

Gonads

Reproductive organs that produce sex cells; female gonads are the ovaries (secreting estrogen and progesterone) and male gonads are the testes (secreting testosterone).

Adenoma

A benign tumor of the pituitary gland that causes excessive hormone secretion.

Diabetes insipidus

A pituitary disorder caused by insufficient amounts of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Gigantism

A pituitary disorder caused by the excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) before puberty.

Acromegaly

A pituitary disorder resulting from excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion during adulthood, leading to enlargement of the extremities.

Addison disease

A progressive disorder of the adrenal glands caused by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone.

Cushing’s syndrome

An adrenal disorder caused by excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.

Diabetes mellitus type 1

A metabolic disorder of the pancreas characterized by insufficient production of insulin.

Diabetes mellitus type 2

A metabolic disorder caused by a lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use insulin efficiently.

Hyperglycemia

Elevated levels of sugar in the blood.

Adrenalopathy

Disease of the adrenal glands.

Thyromegaly

Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Glycosuria

Presence of sugar in the urine.

Endocrinology

The medical practice treating endocrine and hormonal disorders.

Endocrinologist

A medical practitioner who specializes in caring for patients with endocrine diseases and hormonal dysfunctions.