Endocrine System Study Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering endocrine gland anatomy, hormones, root words, and pathological conditions.

Dia/betes

Literally means through/passing.

Gestational diabetes

A diabetes condition that forms during pregnancy.

Hypoparathyroidism

A condition where decreased secretion of PTH results in muscle hyperexcitability.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland; a lack of it often causes the inability to sleep.

Parathormone

A hormone produced by the parathyroid gland that regulates body calcium blood levels and prevents muscle spasms.

Pituitary gland

The master gland of the body that secretes eight hormones.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition resulting when the thyroid produces too much thyroxine.

Thymo-

A word part that means soul or flowery.

Hyalo-

A word part that means glassy.

Hypothalamus

Brain structure that controls pituitary secretions, body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other body functions.

Oxytocin

Pituitary hormone stored and released by the posterior lobe that stimulates uterine contractions during labor.

Anterior pituitary lobe

The pituitary lobe that secretes hormones including LH, HGH, TSH, ACTH, and FSH.

Posterior pituitary lobe

The pituitary lobe that stores and releases ADH and oxytocin.

Thyroxine

A thyroid hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism.

Epinephrine

A hormone produced by the adrenal gland that helps the body deal with stress.

Poly/dips/ia

A compound term that means excessive thirst.

Thyroid gland

The largest endocrine gland, shaped like a shield, located in front of the lower voice box and the upper trachea.

Parathyroid glands

Four small dime-size glands that lie directly upon and behind the thyroid gland.

Adrenal glands

Endocrine glands located above each kidney and divided into the medulla and cortex; produce epinephrine and corticosterone.

Insulin

Hormone that plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels and preventing hyperglycemia.

Hypothyroidism

The state of under-production of thyroxine from the thyroid gland.

Pan/creas

A term that literally means all/fleshy.

Acromegaly

A condition resulting from the pituitary producing too much growth hormone in adults.

Endo/crin/o/log/ist

A medical term meaning specialist in the science and study of glands of internal secretion.

Diabetes mellitus

A chronic disease caused by underactivity of the pancreatic beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans.

Addison's disease

Also called hypoadrenocorticism; an adrenal insufficiency causing increased pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes (bronze skin).

Cushing's syndrome

A condition caused by adrenal cortex hypersecretion (excess cortisol).

Hormone

A substance secreted by endocrine glands; literally means 'to urge on'.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid that may be caused by lack of iodine, inflammation, tumors, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism.

Testicles

Glands that control sexual development and the development of sperm.

Thymus

The gland essential for the development of T-cells.

Hypopituitarism

A deficiency of pituitary secretions that causes dwarfism, Simmonds' disease, hypogonadism, and Sheehan's syndrome.

Type 1 diabetes

A disorder characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency.

Exophthalmia

A medical condition referring to eyes bulging outward.

Gyneco-

A word part that means woman.

Galacto-

A word part that means milk.