Endocrine Glands and Hormones

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the hormones, stimuli, targets, and physiological effects of the pituitary gland, thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

An anterior pituitary tropic hormone stimulated by hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) that targets the thyroid gland to stimulate the secretion of thyroid hormones ($T_3$ and $T_4$).

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

An anterior pituitary tropic hormone stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that targets the ovaries and testes; stimulates ovarian follicle maturation and estrogen production in females, and sperm production in males.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

An anterior pituitary tropic hormone stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that targets the gonads; triggers ovulation and stimulates ovarian estrogen and progesterone production in females, and stimulates testosterone production in males.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

An anterior pituitary tropic hormone stimulated by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) that targets the adrenal cortex to stimulate the release of glucocorticoids and androgens (and mineralocorticoids to a lesser extent).

Growth hormone (GH)

An anterior pituitary non-tropic hormone stimulated by growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that targets liver, muscle, bone, and cartilage to stimulate body growth and protein synthesis, mobilize fat, and conserve glucose.

Prolactin (PRL)

An anterior pituitary non-tropic hormone stimulated by a decrease in prolactin-inhibiting hormone (PIH) that targets the mammary glands in the breasts to stimulate milk production (lactation).

Oxytocin

A hormone synthesized by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary; released in response to cervical/uterine stretch or suckling to stimulate uterine contractions during birth and milk ejection (let-down) in lactating mothers.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone synthesized by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary; released in response to increased blood solute concentration or decreased blood volume to stimulate the kidneys to reabsorb water, reducing urine output and conserving body water.

Thyroid hormone (TH)

Collective term for thyroxine ($T_4$) and triiodothyronine ($T_3$), released by the thyroid gland upon TSH stimulation; targets most body cells to increase basal metabolic rate (BMR) and regulate tissue growth and development.

Calcitonin

A thyroid gland hormone released in response to high blood calcium levels that targets bones; has no known physiological role in humans, though it has pharmaceutical applications when supplemented at higher doses.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands released in response to low blood calcium; increases blood calcium by stimulating osteoclasts, increasing renal calcium reabsorption, and stimulating the conversion of vitamin D to calcitriol.

Zona glomerulosa

The outer cortical area of the adrenal cortex that produces mineralocorticoids (mostly aldosterone) in response to angiotensin II release and elevated blood potassium.

Mineralocorticoids (mostly aldosterone)

Adrenal cortex hormones produced by the zona glomerulosa that target the kidneys to increase sodium and water reabsorption and increase potassium secretion into the urine.

Zona fasciculata

The middle cortical area of the adrenal cortex that produces glucocorticoids (mostly cortisol) in response to ACTH stimulation.

Glucocorticoids (mostly cortisol)

Adrenal cortex hormones released by the zona fasciculata that target most body cells to promote fat and protein breakdown, promote stress resistance, and inhibit the immune response.

Zona reticularis

The inner cortical area of the adrenal cortex that produces gonadocorticoids (androgens) in response to ACTH stimulation.

Gonadocorticoids (androgens)

Adrenal cortex hormones produced by the zona reticularis; in females, they contribute to body growth, pubic and axillary hair development, and sex drive, while having insignificant effects in males.

Chromaffin cells

Cells of the adrenal medulla that release catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) upon stimulation by nerve impulses from preganglionic sympathetic fibers.

Catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine)

Adrenal medulla hormones released by chromaffin cells that target most body cells to mimic sympathetic nervous system activation during the 'fight-or-flight response.'

Insulin

A pancreatic hormone released in response to elevated blood glucose and parasympathetic stimulation; targets most body cells to accelerate glucose uptake and promote glycogen, fat, and protein synthesis.

Glucagon

A pancreatic hormone released in response to decreased blood glucose and sympathetic stimulation; targets the liver and adipose tissue to accelerate glycogen breakdown, convert lactic acid to glucose, and release glucose into the blood.

Estrogens

Ovarian hormones released in response to LH and FSH; target most body cells to promote the maturation of female reproductive organs and the development of secondary sex characteristics.

Estrogens and progesterone (together)

Ovarian hormones acting jointly in response to LH and FSH to target the uterus and mammary glands, regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting breast development.

Testosterone

A male sex hormone produced by the testes in response to LH and FSH; targets most body cells to promote maturation of male reproductive organs, secondary sex characteristics, sperm production, and sex drive.