Endocrine System Overviewadd

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts and terms related to the Endocrine System from the lecture notes.

Endocrine System

A collection of endocrine glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.

Neurosecretory cells

Neurons that synthesize hormones in their cell bodies, transport them down the axon, and release them at the axon terminal.

Hypothalamus-Pituitary Axis

The regulatory system linking the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, controlling various endocrine functions.

Gonadotropins

Hormones (FSH and LH) that stimulate the gonads to produce sex steroids and regulate gametogenesis.

Oxytocin

A hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus that triggers uterine contractions and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex involved in metabolism and the stress response.

ADH (Vasopressin)

A hormone that regulates water balance by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Prolactin

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that promotes milk production.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary involved in triggering ovulation and testosterone production.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females and spermatogenesis in males.

Feedback Mechanisms

Regulatory processes in the endocrine system that monitor hormone levels, often involving negative feedback loops.

Adrenal Cortex

The outer layer of the adrenal glands that produces steroid hormones, including glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner part of the adrenal glands responsible for producing catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Estrogens

Steroid hormones produced mainly by the ovaries, involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and secondary sexual characteristics.

Testosterone

A steroid hormone produced by the testes that is essential for male development and reproductive function.

Homeostasis

The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.

Hormone Synthesis

The biochemical process through which hormones are produced and secreted by endocrine glands.

Action Potentials

Electrical impulses that trigger the release of hormones from neurosecretory cells.

Negative Feedback

A process in which rising hormone levels inhibit further hormone release, maintaining homeostasis.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, regulating various body functions and hormone release.

Pituitary Gland

A small gland located at the base of the brain that secretes hormones regulating other endocrine glands and various bodily functions.

Gonads

The organs (ovaries in females and testes in males) that produce sex steroids and gametes.

Infundibulum

A funnel-shaped structure that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland, allowing for the transport of hormones from the hypothalamus to the pituitary.

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.

GH (Growth Hormone)

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that promotes growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration.

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Glucocorticoids

Steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and play a key role in the stress response.

Mineralocorticoids

Steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate sodium and potassium levels, and thus control blood pressure and fluid balance.

Androgens

Steroid hormones, such as testosterone, primarily produced in the testes, that regulate the development of male characteristics and reproductive activity.

Catecholamines

Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, that are involved in the body's stress response and help regulate blood pressure and heart rate.

Progestins

A group of hormones, including progesterone, that are involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis in females.

Posterior Pituitary

A part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus, including oxytocin and ADH (vasopressin).

Anterior Pituitary

The front part of the pituitary gland that produces and secretes hormones such as ACTH, GH, TSH, LH, FSH, and prolactin, which regulate various endocrine functions.

Regulating Metabolism

Hormones like glucocorticoids influence the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Maintaining Homeostasis

Hormones are involved in maintaining stable internal conditions, such as blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon.

Controlling Growth and Development

Growth hormone (GH) regulates growth and development in children and adolescents.

Managing Stress

Hormones like cortisol and catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) are released during stress to prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response.

Reproductive Functions

Gonadotropins (LH and FSH) regulate the development of gametes and production of sex hormones.

Regulating Fluid Balance

Hormones such as ADH (vasopressin) help maintain water balance by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Neural Input

Signals from the nervous system that stimulate hormone release from neurosecretory cells.

Hormonal Input

Regulation of hormone levels through feedback mechanisms and influence of other hormones.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones derived from cholesterol that are lipid-soluble and can easily pass through cell membranes to influence gene expression.

Non-steroid Hormones

Water-soluble hormones that bind to surface receptors on target cells, triggering signal transduction pathways to elicit cellular responses.