Endocrine System

Endocrine System

A collection of glands that produce hormones to regulate various bodily functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Hypothermia

A condition that occurs when body temperature drops too low.

Hyperthermia

A condition that occurs when body temperature rises too high.

Hypoglycemia

A condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycemia

A condition characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels.

Pituitary Gland

A critical gland in the endocrine system that regulates the functioning of other glands.

Thyroid Gland

A gland that produces hormones related to metabolism, located in the neck.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that raises blood calcium levels by promoting bone resorption.

Adrenal Glands

Glands located above the kidneys that produce hormones related to stress response.

Epinephrine

Also known as adrenaline, a hormone that triggers the fight-or-flight response.

Glucocorticoids

A class of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that help regulate metabolism and stress responses.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood sugar levels.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from glycogen stores.

Negative Feedback Loop

A process by which a system regulates itself by reducing the output or activity.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process that amplifies change, accelerating a system in one direction.

Mineralocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate mineral balance in the blood.

Gonadocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, including sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

Follicular Cells

Cells in the thyroid that produce thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

Parafollicular Cells

Cells in the thyroid that produce calcitonin.

Anterior Pituitary

The front part of the pituitary gland that produces and releases various hormones.

Posterior Pituitary

The back part of the pituitary gland that releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Neurohormones

Hormones produced by neurons that are released into the circulation.

Adrenal Cortex

The outer region of the adrenal glands that produces steroid hormones including glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner region of the adrenal glands that produces catecholamines, primarily epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are involved in the body's stress response.

Zona Fasciculata

The middle layer of the adrenal cortex responsible for producing glucocorticoids such as cortisol that regulate metabolism and stress response.

Zona Reticularis

The innermost layer of the adrenal cortex that produces gonadocorticoids, which are involved in sex hormone production.

Pancreas

Produces hormones like insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.

Alpha Cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by promoting glucose release from glycogen.

Beta Cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Zona Glomerulosa

The outermost layer of the adrenal cortex that produces mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone, which helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance.