Anatomy Ch. 9 pt .2

Endocrine System

Graves’ disease

an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism, and can also cause eye and skin problems

Exophthalmos

the protrusion of one or both eyes anteriorly out of the orbit due to an increase in orbital contents within the rigid bony orbit

Calcitonin

a hormone your thyroid makes and releases to help regulate calcium levels in your blood by decreasing them

Parafollicular cells

a type of cells found in the thyroid gland that lie between the follicles

Parathyroid gland

four small, pea-sized endocrine glands located in the neck behind the thyroid gland

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood. It stimulates the release of calcium from bones, increases calcium absorption in the intestines, and promotes the production of active vitamin D in the kidneys.

Tetany

a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, spasms, and tremors

Thymus

the organ primarily responsible for the production and maturation of immune cells

Thymosin

Thymosins are particularly important for the development and maturation of T cells, a crucial part of the adaptive immune system. 

Adrenal cortex

the outer layer of the adrenal gland, responsible for producing hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, which regulate stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure

Corticosteroids

used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, allergies and many other conditions

Mineralocorticoids

a class of steroid hormones that regulate salt and water balances

Aldosterone

A steroid hormone made by the adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland). It helps control the balance of water and salts in the kidney by keeping sodium in and releasing potassium from the body.

Renin

an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure, sodium levels, and fluid balance

Angiotensin II

a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

a hormone secreted by the heart's atria, primarily in response to increased blood volume or pressure, that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance by promoting sodium and water excretion and vasodilation. 

Glucocorticoids

a class of steroid hormones that play crucial roles in various physiological and metabolic processes

Cortisone

suppresses various elements of the immune system, thus reducing inflammation and attendant pain and swelling

cortisol

a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a key role in regulating stress response, metabolism, and inflammation, and is also involved in blood pressure and blood sugar control

Sex hormones

testosterone is the male sex hormone produced by the testis, and oestrogen is the female sex hormone produced by the ovary

Androgens

male sex hormones that play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male characteristics

Estrogens

a group of female sex hormones that play crucial roles in various bodily functions

Addison’s disease

a rare endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient amounts of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone

Hyperaldosteronism

a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure and low potassium levels

Cushing’s syndrome

a hormonal disorder characterized by excessive production of the hormone cortisol

Masculinization

the development or acquisition of male characteristics in a female or intersex individual

Adrenal medulla

the inner portion of the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. 

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

also known as adrenaline, plays an important role in your body's fight-or-flight response. It's also used as a medication to treat many life-threatening conditions

Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

primary neurotransmitter released from postganglionic sympathetic nerve terminals and a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla

Catecholamines

a group of neurotransmitters and hormones that play crucial roles in the body's response to stress and other physiological events

Pancreas

a glandular organ located in the abdomen that plays crucial roles in digestion and hormone regulation. 

Pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans)

clusters of endocrine cells located within the pancreas

Insulin

a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in lowering blood sugar levels. 

Glucagon

a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in raising blood sugar levels. 

Beta cells

endocrine cells located in the pancreas that are responsible for producing and releasing insulin

Diabetes mellitus

a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels

Acidosis

a condition where the body fluids become too acidic

Ketosis

a metabolic state where your body primarily uses fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, occurring when carbohydrate intake is severely restricted

Polyuria

excessive production and excretion of urine

Polydipsia

excessive thirst

Polyphagia

an abnormally strong, incessant sensation of hunger or desire to eat often leading to overeating

Insulin resistance

a condition in which the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin

Alpha cells

endocrine cells in the pancreas that produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels

Ovaries

the primary female reproductive organs located on either side of the uterus in the pelvic region

Progesterone

pregnancy hormone in females

Menstrual cycle (menstruation)

a natural process where a woman's body prepares for potential pregnancy each month, involving the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation) if fertilization doesn't occur. 

Testes

the paired male reproductive glands located in the scrotum, responsible for producing sperm and the hormone testosterone

Testosterone

promotes the development of male reproductive organs, body hair, and a deep voice. 

Placenta

a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

a chemical created by trophoblast tissue, tissue typically found in early embryos and which will eventually be part of the placenta

Human placental lactogen (hPL)

a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy that plays a crucial role in preparing the body for breastfeeding, regulating metabolism, and ensuring the fetus receives adequate nutrients

Relaxin

a reproductive hormone produced by your ovaries and the placenta. It loosens and relaxes your muscles, joints and ligaments during pregnancy to help your body stretch.

menopause

a natural process where a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing estrogen, leading to the cessation of menstruation, typically between the ages of 45 and 55