Endocrine System Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards for Endocrinology Chapter 8, focusing on endocrine system terminology and key concepts.

Endo-

Within, inside; refers to the secretion of hormones within the body.

Crin/Crine

To Secrete. Word part referring to the secretion process of endocrine glands.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete their products (hormones) directly into the bloodstream.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete their products onto the outside surfaces of the body (e.g., mammary, sweat, and oil glands).

Neuroendocrine System

The collective term for the nervous and endocrine systems, which work together to control bodily processes.

Homeostasis

Maintaining balance and stability in the body's internal environment.

Ductless Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Pituitary Gland

A small but critical endocrine organ that secretes a number of hormones and is sometimes referred to as the 'master gland.'

Thyroid

The largest endocrine gland, located in the neck region, that produces hormones regulating metabolism.

Parathyroid Glands

Four small glands attached to the back of the thyroid that produce hormones to regulate blood calcium levels.

Thymus

Gland that produces thymosins and has roles in both immune system function and endocrine function; shrinks as we age.

Adrenal Glands (Suprarenal Glands)

Glands located on top of the kidneys that produce a variety of hormones to help combat stress.

Pancreatic Islets (Islets of Langerhans)

Small patches of endocrine tissue in the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.

Testes and Ovaries

Reproductive organs that serve as endocrine glands, producing sex hormones (androgens like testosterone in testes, estrogens in ovaries).

Isthmus

The connecting bridge between lobes of the thyroid gland.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by alpha cells of the pancreatic islets that raises blood glucose levels.

Insulin

A hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets that decreases blood glucose levels.

Anterior Pituitary

The anterior portion of the pituitary gland, also known as the adenohypophysis, which is the truly glandular section.

Posterior Pituitary

The posterior portion of the pituitary gland, also known as the neurohypophysis, which is made up of nervous tissue and stores hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus.

Hypophysis

The medical term for pituitary.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone that stimulates the thyroid.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormones that are secreted from the anterior pituitary.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone that facilitates bones and muscles to divide and grow.

Prolactin (PRL)

A hormone that makes milk in mammary glands.

Oxytocin

A hormone that is critical during delivery of a baby because oxytocin goes down and binds to the smooth muscle in the uterine wall and tells the uterus to contract to push the baby out.

Oxytocin

A hormone that helps with a lot of things that are mainly more important in the female body (delivery of a baby, childbirth, etc.)

Oxytocin

A hormone that helps you eject milk out into the baby's mouth when you're breastfeeding (called the letdown reflex).

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH/Vasopressin)

A hormone that goes down and targets the kidney to help you retain more water.

Diuresis

Water loss through urination.

T4 (Thyroxine)

Technically called thyroxine (T4) this is a hormone that regulates metabolism.

T3 (Triiodothyronine)

Technically called triiodothyronine (T3) this is a hormone that regulates metabolism.

T3 and T4 Thyroid Hormones

Basically regulating your BMR (basal metabolic rate).

Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism

A common affliction in people that have problems with the thyroid.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that is mostly known for regulating blood calcium levels.

Cortex

The outer tissue of the adrenal glands.

Cortisol and Aldosterone

Hormones that play a huge role in combating all types of physiological stress.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner area of the adrenal gland.

Epinephrine/Norepinephrine (Adrenaline/Noradrenaline)

Your body's adrenaline. Basically, helps you elicit your fight or flight response.

Acro-

Tips or extremity.

Adeno-

Gland.

Adreno-/Adrenalo-

Adrenals.

Calci-

Calcium.

Cortico-

Cortex.

Crino-/Crine-

To secrete.

Dipso-

Thirst.

Endocrino-

Endocrine.

Gluco-/Glucoso-/Glyco-/Glycoso-

Sugar, glucose.

Hormono-

Hormone.

Kali-

Potassium.

Natri-

Sodium.

Pancreato-

Pancreas.

Parathyroido-

Parathyroid glands.

Thymo-

Thymus.

Thyro-/Thyroido-

Thyroid.

Eu-

Good, normal.

Hyper-

Above, excessive.

Hypo-

Below, deficient.

Poly-

Many, much.

-emia

Blood.

-ism

Condition of.

-megaly

Enlargement.

-oid

Resembling.

-osis

Abnormal condition.

-penia

Deficiency.

-Pemia

Deficiency of.

-Urea

Urine or urination.

Cortical

Pertaining to the cortex.

Endogenous

Produced inside the body.

Exogenous

Produced and distributed on the outside of the body.

Metabolism

All of the chemical reactions inside of our bodycells.

Pancreatic

Pertaining to the pancreas.

Postprandial

After eating or a meal.

Diabetes

To pass through, siphon.

Mellitus

Sweet, like honey.

Acidemia

Acidic blood.

Acidosis

Condition of too acidic bodily fluids and tissues.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Gigantism

People with a large physical frame due to brain trauma.

Hirsutism

A male pattern hair growth, excessive hair growth in a female's body, which is not normal.

-Ectomy

To cut, to remove, to excise.