Endocrine System Flashcards

Flashcards about the endocrine system

Glands

Specialized organs that secrete products.

Endocrine glands

Glands that secrete hormones globally.

Exocrine glands

Glands that secrete products into ducts and have local functions

Hormones

Chemicals that cause a bodily response.

Hormone functions

Regulating growth, metabolism, and sexual development.

Hormone types

Lipid-derived, amino acid-derived, and peptide hormones.

Endocrine system

A hormone signaling system contributing to development and homeostasis.

Pituitary gland

A small gland at the base of the brain in close association with the hypothalamus.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Causes water reabsorption in the kidney.

Oxytocin

Released during breastfeeding, labor, and sexual activity.

Growth hormone

Promotes cell growth and division in bone, muscle, and cartilage.

Prolactin

Stimulates milk production.

Thyroid

The gland in the front of the neck that produces thyroid hormone when stimulated by thyroid stimulating hormone.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Stimulates production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Promotes development of egg cells and estrogen secretion in females/maturation of sperm in males.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Causes ovulation in females/testosterone production in males.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Contributes to secretion of glucocorticoids from adrenal cortex (like cortisol).

Calcitonin (CT)

Helps regulate calcium concentration in the blood; when blood calcium is high, it is released causing the bones to take up calcium.

Parathyroid glands

Small, round glands found on the back of the thyroid that secrete parathyroid hormone.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Increases blood calcium levels.

Adrenal gland

Sits on top of each kidney and can be divided into adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla.

Adrenal cortex

Secretes more than 20 different hormones, including mineralocorticoids, gonadocorticoids, or glucocorticoids.

Adrenal medulla

Secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Aldosterone

A mineralocorticoid that causes Na+ reabsorption.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid and “stress hormone”.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Released as part of the fight/flight system; the result of secretion is increased heart and respiratory rates.

Pancreas

Sits behind the stomach and secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar.

Insulin

Prevents hyperglycemia by allowing sugar in the blood to enter muscle and fat cells.

Glucagon

Increases blood glucose by breaking down glycogen stores in the liver.

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar that causes increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, etc.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar.

Pineal Gland

Secretes melatonin

Melatonin

Promotes sleepiness.

Androgens

Primary male sex hormones, including testosterone.

Primary female sex hormone