6a

These flashcards cover the key concepts and vocabulary related to the endocrine system, including major glands, hormones, and their functions.

Endocrine Glands

Glands derived from epithelial tissue that produce and secrete hormones.

Hypothalamus

A primary endocrine organ that links the nervous system to the endocrine system, regulating various hormonal functions.

Pituitary Gland

An important endocrine gland consisting of the anterior and posterior lobes, responsible for releasing various hormones.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that regulate physiological processes in the body.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary that controls water balance and osmolarity.

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary, involved in contractions during labor and milk letdown.

Tropic Hormones

Hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to secrete their hormones.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland that produces thyroid hormones, regulating metabolism and growth.

Calcitonin

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

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood, preventing hypocalcemia.

Adrenal Gland

An endocrine gland that produces hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, involved in stress response and regulation of sodium.

Pancreas

An organ with both endocrine and exocrine functions; contains islets of Langerhans that secrete insulin and glucagon.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth and metabolism.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that regulates hormone levels, where the output of a process inhibits its own production.

Islets of Langerhans

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

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)

A hormone produced by the heart that helps to lower blood pressure and control electrolyte homeostasis.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Circadian Rhythm

Physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hormone that stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).