Introduction to the Endocrine System

Vocabulary flashcards covering the glands, hormones, and functions of the endocrine system based on Dr. Omer A. Awad's lecture.

Endocrine system

A system made of glands and tissues that secrete hormones to maintain homeostasis.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands and carried to target cells in the body by the blood.

Hypothalamus

A structure that controls the secretions of the pituitary gland and uses releasing factors to stimulate the anterior pituitary.

Pituitary gland

Commonly called the "master" gland of the endocrine system; it is no larger than a pea and is located at the base of the brain attached to the hypothalamus.

Thyroid gland

The largest endocrine gland in adults; it is H-shaped (butterfly-shaped) and located anteriorly in the lower neck.

Thyroxin

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, body heat, and bone growth.

Parathyroid glands

Four glands embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland that produce parathyroid hormone.

Parathyroid hormone

A hormone involved with calcium metabolism.

Adrenal glands

Glands that sit at the top of the kidneys, each composed of two parts: the cortex and the medulla.

Adrenal medulla

The part of the adrenal gland that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine to bring about responses associated with emergency situations.

Adrenal cortex

The part of the adrenal gland that produces glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids (to regulate salt and water balance), and sex hormones.

Pancreas

An organ located in the curve of the duodenum that functions as both an exocrine gland (producing digestive enzymes) and an endocrine gland.

Pancreatic endocrine secretions

Insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.

Testes

The male primary sex organs which produce testosterone.

Ovaries

The female primary sex organs which produce estrogen and progesterone.

Thymus gland

A gland located under the sternum that produces thymosins and decreases in size with age, becoming fatty.

Thymosins

Hormones produced by the thymus that stimulate T lymphocyte production.

Pineal gland

A gland in the brain that produces melatonin.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that is involved in circadian rhythms.