Endocrine Glands and Hormones

A set of 60 vocabulary flashcards covering key endocrine hormones, their functions, and related dysfunctions.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Stimulates secretion of thyroid hormones.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates secretion of adrenal cortex hormones.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

In females, stimulates development of ovarian follicles; in males, stimulates sperm production.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

In females, stimulates maturation of ovarian follicle and ovum; triggers ovulation.

Growth hormone (GH)

Stimulates growth in all organs and increases blood glucose concentration.

Prolactin (PRL)

Stimulates breast development and milk secretion during and after pregnancy.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Stimulates retention of water by the kidneys.

Oxytocin (OT)

Stimulates uterine contractions and milk release into breast ducts.

Releasing hormones (RHs)

Stimulate the anterior pituitary to release hormones.

Inhibiting hormones (IHs)

Inhibit the anterior pituitary's secretion of hormones.

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)

Stimulate the energy metabolism of all cells.

Calcitonin (CT)

Inhibits breakdown of bone; decreases blood calcium concentration.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Stimulates breakdown of bone; increases blood calcium concentration.

Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)

Regulate electrolyte and fluid homeostasis.

Glucocorticoids (cortisol)

Stimulate gluconeogenesis and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Sex hormones (androgens)

Stimulate sexual drive in females; negligible effects in males.

Epinephrine (Epi)

Prolongs and intensifies sympathetic nervous response during stress.

Norepinephrine (NR)

Enhances sympathetic nervous response during stress.

Glucagon

Stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver, increasing blood glucose concentration.

Insulin

Promotes glucose entry into cells, decreasing blood glucose concentration.

Estrogens

Promote development and maintenance of female sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

Promotes conditions required for pregnancy.

Testosterone

Promotes development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics.

Thymosin

Promotes development of immune-system cells.

Chorionic gonadotropin

Promotes conditions required during early pregnancy.

Melatonin

Inhibits tropic hormones affecting the ovaries; involved in the body’s internal clock.

Atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH)

Regulates fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.

Ghrelin

Affects energy balance and metabolism.

Leptin

Controls hunger and feelings of fullness.

Hypersecretion

Excessive secretion of a hormone.

Hyposecretion

Insufficient secretion of a hormone.

Dysfunction

Abnormal functioning of a gland or hormone.

Gigantism

Excessive growth due to hypersecretion of growth hormone in pre-adults.

Acromegaly

Abnormal growth due to hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults.

Dwarfism

Insufficient growth due to hyposecretion of growth hormone.

Hypocalcemia

Low blood calcium concentration.

Hypercalcemia

High blood calcium concentration.

Cushing syndrome

Excessive secretion of glucocorticoids.

Addison disease

Insufficient secretion of glucocorticoids.

Diabetes insipidus

Condition caused by hyposecretion of antidiuretic hormone.

Graves disease

Hyperthyroidism due to overactivity of the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism

Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones.

Cretinism

Severe hypothyroidism in infancy.

Myxedema

Severe hypothyroidism in adults.

Adrenal cortex

Outer portion of the adrenal gland that produces hormones.

Adrenal medulla

Inner portion of the adrenal gland that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Pancreatic islets

Regions of the pancreas that produce insulin and glucagon.

Ovaries

Female reproductive glands that produce estrogens and progesterone.

Testes

Male reproductive glands that produce testosterone.

Thymus

Gland involved in the development of the immune system.

Placenta

Organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to a fetus.

Pineal gland

Gland that secretes melatonin.