The Endocrine and Nervous Systems

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the Endocrine and Nervous Systems, their functions, components, and disorders.

Endocrine System

Includes all endocrine cells and tissues that secrete hormones.

Nervous System

The system that coordinates all activities to maintain homeostasis, responds quickly to stimuli.

Epinephrine

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla, also known as adrenaline.

Norepinephrine

A hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in the body's 'fight-or-flight' response.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands into the bloodstream.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that regulate the endocrine and nervous systems to maintain homeostasis.

Hypothalamus

A part of the brain that controls the endocrine system through the release of regulatory hormones.

Pituitary Gland

Often termed the 'master gland' due to its role in regulating other endocrine glands.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland that produces hormones regulating metabolism.

Adrenal Glands

Glands that produce hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels.

Prolactin

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

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone secreted by the pituitary that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

A hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

A hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce corticosteroids.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation in females and regulates testosterone production in males.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and sperm production.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Hormonal Action

Changes in target cell functions in response to hormone binding to receptors.

Glucocorticoids

A class of hormones that regulate metabolism and immune response.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Calcitriol

The active form of vitamin D, produced by the kidneys.

Leptin

A hormone produced by adipose (fat) tissue that regulates energy balance.

Thymosins

Hormones secreted by the thymus that are involved in T-cell development.

Receptors

Proteins on or in target cells that bind to hormones or neurotransmitters.

Diabetes

A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels.

Type I Diabetes

A form of diabetes where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

Type II Diabetes

A form of diabetes where cells become resistant to insulin.

Addison's Disease

A disorder characterized by insufficient production of cortisol.

Cushing Syndrome

A condition caused by excessive cortisol.

The Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the nervous system that controls involuntary body functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'fight-or-flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' responses.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse.

Axon

The long projection of a neuron that conducts impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrite

The branched projections of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits nerve impulses.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

Interneurons

Neurons located within the central nervous system that relay signals between neurons.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

Reflexes

Automatic responses to stimuli that protect the body.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in complex functions including thought and action.

Ganglia

Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system.

Action Potential

A rapid electrical signal that travels down an axon.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Epineurium

Connective tissue that surrounds an entire nerve.

Endoneurium

Connective tissue that surrounds individual axons.

Perineurium

Connective tissue that surrounds fascicles of nerve fibers.

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer around some axons that speeds up signal transmission.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movements.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Neurological Disorders

Conditions that affect the nervous system's functioning.

Hormonal Disorders

Conditions that occur due to hormone imbalances.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis containing connective tissue.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin composed of stratified squamous epithelium.

Hypodermis

The deepest layer of skin that contains adipose tissue and connects skin to underlying tissues.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce sebum, which lubricates skin and hair.

Sweat Glands

Glands that secrete sweat onto the skin surface for thermoregulation.

Melanocytes

Cells in the skin that produce the pigment melanin.

Keratinocytes

The primary cell type in the epidermis that produces keratin.

Langerhans Cells

Immune cells in the epidermis that help detect pathogens.

Merkel Cells

Cells in the epidermis that act as touch receptors.

Sebum

An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands.

Acne

A skin condition resulting from blocked sebaceous glands.

Psoriasis

A skin disorder characterized by red, scaly patches.

Eczema

An inflammatory skin condition causing red, itchy patches.

Homeostasis in the Skin

Maintenance of a stable internal environment, including temperature and hydration.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining an optimal body temperature.

Wound Healing

The process by which skin repairs itself after injury.

Skin Color Variation

Differences in skin color resulting from varying amounts of melanin.

Vitamin D

A vitamin produced by the skin in response to UV light important for calcium absorption.

Folate

A B vitamin critical for DNA synthesis and cell division, affected by UV exposure.

Hypothermia

A dangerously low body temperature due to excessive cooling.

Hyperthermia

A dangerously high body temperature due to excessive heating.

Irritation

The temporary inflammatory response of skin to external factors.

Hypoallergenic Products

Skin products designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin.