Endocrine System

Paracrine signaling

the release of a chemical messenger by a cell that acts on the cells near it

Hypothalamus

almond sized tissue below the thalamus

Hypothalamus gland

it is the primary link between the nervous and endocrine systems

Tropin

substance that stimulates

Melatonin

primarily synthesized/released from the pineal gland; it regulates sleep wake cycles and circadian rhythms

Pituitary gland

a gland beneath the hypothalamus called the master gland because it influences production and inhibition of many of the other endocrine gland’s hormones

Tropic

pertaining to that which stimulates

Growth hormone

somatotropin, the pituitary hormone that stimulates body growth

Prolactin

the pituitary hormone that prmarily targets breast tissue, named for the initial understanding that it causes the mammary glands to produce milk

Antidiuretic hormone

ADH, the pituitary hormone that targets the kidneys to promote water reabsorption

Oxytocin

best known for stimulating uterine contractions

Parathyroid glands

4 small round masses of tissue; two embedded into each posterior thyroid lobe

Parathyroid glands

synthesizes/secretes a hormone that increases blood calcium and phosphorus levels

Pancreas

cells within the pancreas secrete glucagon and insulin to control blood glucose levels

Glucagon

a hormone released in response to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) that increases blood glucose levels

Insulin

a hormone that decreases blood glucose levels

Suprarenal

pertaining to superior to/above the kidney

Supra

above, on top, upon

Cortical

pertaining to the cortex/outer layer

Epinephrine

adrenaline, stimulates the fight or flight response

Norepinephrine

potent vasoconstrictor (causes constriction of blood vessels)

Cortisol

known as the stress hormone

Gonads

produces sex cells (ova, sperm) and produce the majority of the body’s sex hormones

Circadian rhythms

rhythms of the body that follow a 24

Endogenous

processes that originate or occur within the body (hormone created in the body)

Gonadotropin

a hormone that stimulates testicular or ovarian activity

Hormone

a chemical messenger of the endocrine system that is secreted directly into the bloodstream

Metabolism

all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy

Endocrine glands

glands, tissues, or cells that secrete chemical messengers directly into the bloodstream

Exocrine gland

a gland that secretes externally or outwardly through a duct

Endocrinologist

the medical speciality/specialiist focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the endocrine system

Adenoma

a benign tumor of a gland

Adenopathy

any disease of any gland

Endocrinopathy

a general term for any disease of the endocrine system

Hypersecretion

excessive production and release of a hormone

Acromegaly

enlargement of head, hands, and feet due to hypersecretion of growth hormone after the end of puberty

Diabetes insipidus

insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) causes excessive thirst an copious (excessive) amounts of urine; not diabetes mellitus

Gigantism

abnormal growth (height/size) due to hypersecretion of growth hormone in children before the end of puberty

Exophthalmos

abnormal protrusion of one or both eyeballs from the eye socket

Goiter

thyromegaly, benign enlargement of the thyroid gland

Hyperthyroidism

excessive secretion of thyroid hormones; causes excessive metabolism, leading to weight loss

Hypothyroidism

hyposecretion of thyroid hormones; causes insufficient metabolism, leading to weight gain

Osis

abnormal condition

Tetany

nerve irritability and muscle cramping related to hypocalcemia; a type of severe muscle spasm/cramp

Diabetic

pertaining to diabetes or one who has diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing beta cells leading to little or no insulin productionl formerly identified as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes

a metabolic disorder characterized primarily by insulin resistance often accompanied by a relative decrease in insulin production over time; it may be managed or improved with diet, exercise, and sometimes medications

Gestational diabetes

a condition of elevated blood glucose levels that develops during pregnancy due to increased insulin resistance due to placental hormones; typically resolves after birth

Hyperglycemia

abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood

Diabetic coma

a state of profound unconsciousness caused by either dangerously high or low blood sugar levels

Diabetic neuropathy

nerve damage due to chronic hyperglycemia/uncontrolled diabeted; can lead to paresthesia, amputation

Paresthesias

an abnormal sensation such as a tingling, burning, prickling sensation

Polydipsia

a condition of excessive thirst

Poly

much, many, excessive

Adrenomegaly

abnormal enlargement of one or both adrenal glands

Gynecomastia

a benign enlargement of breast tissue in men, typically due to increased estrogen levels relative to testosterone

Hyperkalemia

excessive level of potassium in the blood

Hypernatremia

excessive level of sodium in the blood

Epinephrine

adrenaline, an agent used to manage acute, life threatening emergencies: cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis

Insulin

agent used to decrease blood glucose levels; it replaces exogenous insulin for Type 1 diabetes or treats sever type 2 diabetes

Norepinephrine

a potent vasoconstrictor that is typically administered to patients experiencing shock to increase blood pressure

Oxytocin

a synthesized drug that mimics the natural hormone; most commonly used to induce quick, swift labor by stimulating uterine contractions