Endocrine System HOSA Med Term

Functions

produce hormones that work together to maintain homeostasis

Homeostasis

process in which the body maintians a constant internal enviornment

Hormones

chemical mssengers that are secreted by the endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream in order for the messengers to reach the cells and organs in the body

Number of Major Glands Present

13

Pituitary Gland

pea-sized gland that is divided into two parts; anterior and posterior lobe

• secretes hormones that control the activity of other endocrine glands

Pineal Gland

very small endocrine gland located in the central portion of the brain

• secretions influence the sleep-wakefulness cycle, including the hormone melatonin

Thyroid Gland

butterfly-shaped gland lies on ethier side of the larynx just below the thyoid cartilage

• primary function is to regulate the body’s metabolism

Parathyroid Gland (x4)

the size of a grain of rice and embedded in the posterior of the thyroid gland

• regulate calcium levels throughout the body

Adrenal Gland (x2)

located with one on top of each kidney

• controls electrolyte levels in the body

Gonands (x2)

gamete-producing glands

• ovaries in females and testicles in males

• secrete hormones responsible for development of sex characteristics during puberty

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

stimulates the growth and secretins of the adrenal cortex

Follicle-Stimuating Hormone (FSH)

stimulates the secretion of estrogen and the growth of ova in the ovaries of the female and the production of sperm in the testicles in the male

Growth Hormone (GH)/Somatotropic Hormone

regulates the growth of bone, muscle, and other body tissues

Interstitial Cell-Stimulating Hormone (ICSH)

stimulates ovulation in the female and the secretion of testosterone in the male

Lactogenic Hormone (LTH)/Prolactin

stimulates and maintains the secretion of breast milk in the mother after childbirth

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

stimulates ovulation in the female and the secretion of testosterone in the male

Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

increases the production of melanin in melanocytes, thereby causing darkening of skin pigmentation

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

stimulates the secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland

Antidiruetic Hormone

secreted by the hypothalamuc and stored and released in the pituitary gland, helps control blood pressure by reducing the amount of water that is excerted through the kidneys

Oxytocin (OXT)

stimulats uterine contractions during childbirth; after childbirth, oxytocin controls postnatal hemorrhage and stimulates the flow of milk from the mammary glands

Melatonin

influences the sleep-wakefulness portions of the carcadian cycle

• circadian cycle refers to the biological functions that occur within a 24-hour period

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)

the two primary thyroid hormones that regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other body systems

Calcitonin

produced by the thyroid gland and works with the parathyroid hormone to decrease calcium levels in the blood and tissues by moving calcium into storage in the bones and teeth

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

works with the hormone calcitonin that is secreted by the thyroid gland to regulate the calcium levels in the blood and tissues

Thymosin

plays an important part in the immune system by stimulating the maturation of lymphocytes into T cells

Glucose

the basic form of energy used by the body

Glucagon

secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets in response to low levels of glucose in the bloodstream, increases the glucose level by stimulating the liver to convert glycogen into glucose for release into the bloodstream

Insulin

secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets in response to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream

Androgens

sex hormones (primarily testosterone) secreted by the gonands, teh adrenal corex, and fat cells; promote the development and maintenance of the male sex characteristics; however, they are present in both men and women

Testosterone

a steroid hormone secreted by the testicles and the adrenal cortex to stimulate the development of male secondary sex characteristics

Endocrinologist

a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and malfunctions of the endocrine glands

Certified Diabetes Educator

health care professional qualified to teach people with diabetes how to manage their disease

Diabetes Insipidus

caused by insufficient production of the antidiuretic hormone ADH or by the inability of the kidneys to respond appropriately to this hormone

Pancreatitis

an inflammation of the pancreas; long-term alcohol abuse is a leading cause

Hyperthyroidism

overproduction of thyroid hormones which causes an imbalance of metabolism

Graves’ Disease

disorder of an unkown cause in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and stimulates it to make excessive amounts of thyroid hormone

Diabetes Mellitus

a group of metabolism disorders characterized by hyperglycemia resulting in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both

Type 1 Diabetes

autoimmune insulin deficiency disorder caused by the destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells

Type 2 Diabetes

insulin resistance disorder

Thyroid Scan

a test that shows how well your thyroid is working

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

measures your blood sugar after not eating for several hours

Radioactive Iodine Treatment

uses radioactive iodine to shrink or destroy thyroid tissue

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

helps your body grow and maintain tissues and organs

Pinealectomy

the surgical removal of the pineal gland

Antithyroid Drug

helps reduce the production of thyroid hormones

Synthetic Thyroid Hormones

man-made medicines that replace or supplement natural thyroid hormones

Pancreatectomy

surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas