Endocrine System Study Guide

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the endocrine system.

Hypothalamus

Controls many body functions related to homeostasis such as temperature, appetite, and thirst.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete their products into ducts that empty onto a surface or into a cavity.

Nonsteroid Hormones

Hormones that bind to receptors on the target cell membrane and trigger second messengers to affect the cell’s activities.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones that bind to receptors within the target cell nucleus and influence cell activity by acting on DNA.

Prostaglandins

Powerful substances in body tissues that function like nonsteroid hormones, affecting neighboring cells.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A major hormone of the anterior pituitary gland essential for reproduction in both men and women.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates the adrenal cortex to increase size and secretion of hormones.

Acromegaly

A disorder caused by excess growth hormone, leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.

Dwarfism

A condition caused by hyposecretion of growth hormone during childhood, resulting in a proportionate body frame.

Calcitonin

A hormone that decreases blood calcium concentration by inhibiting the breakdown of bone.

Thyroxine (T4)

A hormone that influences body cells by speeding up the release of energy from foods.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones from the adrenal cortex, chiefly cortisol, that influence metabolism and stress responses.

Epinephrine

Hormone, also known as adrenaline, that helps the body resist stress and enhances sympathetic nervous system activity.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by beta cells that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating its uptake into cells.

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by alpha cells that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Thymosin

A hormone produced by the thymus gland that plays a key role in the development of the immune system.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles influenced by light exposure.

Pituitary Gland

Often referred to as the 'master gland,' it controls vital body functions and regulates other hormone-producing glands.

Tropic Hormones

Hormones that regulate the function of other glands, such as TSH and ACTH.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.