Endocrine System Identification and Histology Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcard deck covering endocrine glands, anatomical locations, hormones, and microscopic histology features based on lecture materials.

Adenohypophysis (Anterior Lobe of Pituitary Gland)

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland located inferior to the hypothalamus in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone; synthesizes and secretes GH, TSH, ACTH, MSH, PRL, FSH, LH, and ICSH.

Neurohypophysis (Posterior Lobe of Pituitary Gland)

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland located inferior to the hypothalamus; stores and releases oxytocin (OT) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) produced by the hypothalamus.

Hypothalamus

Endocrine structure located inferior to the thalamus within the diencephalon of the brain; synthesizes oxytocin (OT) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Thyroid Gland

Endocrine gland located inferior to the larynx (thyroid cartilage); secretes thyroid hormone (TH – T3, T4 / thyroxin) and calcitonin (CT).

Parathyroid Gland

Small endocrine glands located posterior to the thyroid gland and embedded within thyroid tissue; produce parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Thymus Gland

Endocrine gland located within the mediastinum, just superior to the heart; secretes thymosin and thymopoietin.

Adrenal Cortex

Outer region of the adrenal gland located directly superior to the kidneys; produces mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol), and gonadocorticoids (androgens).

Adrenal Medulla

Inner core of the adrenal gland located directly superior to the kidneys; secretes epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NE).

Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)

Endocrine tissue located within the abdominal cavity posterior to the stomach and duodenum; secretes insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.

Ovaries

Female gonads located within the pelvic cavity; produce estrogen and progesterone.

Testes

Male gonads located within the scrotum; produce testosterone.

Pineal Gland

Endocrine gland located within the brain posterior to the corpus callosum on the roof of the 3rd ventricle; produces melatonin.

Placenta

Temporary endocrine-producing organ present only in pregnant women within the uterus and embedded within the endometrial lining; produces hCG, hCS, hCT, and relaxin.

Cuboidal Follicular Cells

Simple cuboidal epithelial cells lining thyroid follicles that produce thyroid hormone precursor.

Parafollicular Cells (Clear Cells / C-cells)

Cells situated between thyroid follicles that secrete calcitonin (CT).

Chief Cells (Parathyroid)

The principal functional cells of the parathyroid gland that synthesize and release parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Zona Glomerulosa

The superficial outer zone of the adrenal cortex responsible for producing mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone.

Zona Fasciculata

The middle and thickest zone of the adrenal cortex responsible for producing glucocorticoids such as cortisol (cortisone).

Zona Reticularis

The deep innermost layer of the adrenal cortex surrounding the medulla that produces gonadocorticoids (androgens).

Pancreatic Acinus

Exocrine tissue unit of the pancreas surrounding the endocrine islets of Langerhans.

Mature (Vesicular) Follicle / Graafian Follicle

A fluid-filled ovarian follicle ready for ovulation, containing a secondary oocyte, antrum, corona radiata, granulosa cells, cumulus oophorus, and zona pellucida.

Corpus Luteum

Endocrine structure formed in the ovary after a Graafian follicle releases its secondary oocyte during ovulation; secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Corpus Albicans

Degenerated fibrous scar tissue remnant of the corpus luteum in the ovary.

Seminiferous Tubules

Structures located inside the testes where spermatogenesis occurs and sperm cells are produced.

Interstitial Cells (Cells of Leydig)

Endocrine cells situated in the connective tissue between seminiferous tubules in the testes that secrete testosterone.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that promotes tissue growth, cell division, and metabolic activity.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids.

Prolactin (PRL)

Anterior pituitary hormone that promotes milk production in mammary glands.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Anterior pituitary gonadotropin that stimulates ovarian follicle maturation in females and spermatogenesis in males.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) / ICSH

Anterior pituitary gonadotropin that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production by interstitial cells in males.

Oxytocin (OT)

Hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored/released by the neurohypophysis; stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored/released by the neurohypophysis; increases water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone produced by parathyroid chief cells that raises blood calcium levels.

Calcitonin (CT)

Hormone produced by thyroid parafollicular cells (clear cells / C-cells) that lowers blood calcium levels.

Insulin

Hormone produced by pancreatic islets of Langerhans that decreases blood glucose concentrations.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by pancreatic islets of Langerhans that increases blood glucose concentrations.

Aldosterone

Mineralocorticoid produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex that promotes renal sodium retention and potassium excretion.

Cortisol (Cortisone)

Glucocorticoid secreted by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex that regulates glucose metabolism and stress responses.

Melatonin

Hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy to maintain the corpus luteum.