Endocrine System Notes

These flashcards cover important terms and definitions related to the endocrine system, including hormones, glands, disorders, and their management.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Chemical substances secreted by endocrine glands that regulate various functions in the body.

Hypothalamus

Region of the brain that produces hormones that regulate the pituitary gland.

Pituitary Gland

Often referred to as the 'master gland'; it secretes hormones that control other endocrine glands.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

A hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)

A hormone that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary.

Prolactin

A hormone that prepares the female breast for breastfeeding.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Also known as vasopressin; it increases water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Epinephrine

A hormone released by the adrenal medulla in response to stress; it prepares the body for 'fight or flight'.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that raises blood calcium levels by increasing absorption of calcium from bones and kidneys.

Glucagon

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

Insulin

A hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas; it lowers blood glucose levels.

Somatostatin

A hormone that inhibits the release of other hormones such as insulin and glucagon.

Gigantism

A condition caused by excessive growth hormone secretion during childhood, leading to abnormal growth.

Acromegaly

A condition resulting from excess growth hormone in adults, leading to bone and soft tissue enlargement.

Dwarfism

A condition characterized by insufficient growth hormone secretion during childhood.

Hyperprolactinemia

A condition characterized by abnormally high levels of prolactin, which can cause various reproductive issues.

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)

A disorder characterized by insufficient secretion of ADH, leading to excessive urination and thirst.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone (SIADH)

A condition characterized by excessive secretion of ADH, leading to fluid retention and low sodium concentration.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition resulting from excessive production of thyroid hormones, often referred to as Graves' disease.

Hypothyroidism

A condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, leading to a slowed metabolism.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland that can be associated with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Pheochromocytoma

A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause excessive production of catecholamines, leading to hypertension.

Addison's Disease

A disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue and low blood pressure.

Cushing's Disease

A condition caused by excessive adrenocortical activity, often due to a pituitary tumor producing ACTH.

Diabetes Mellitus

A group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiencies.

Type 1 Diabetes

A form of diabetes characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to little or no insulin production.

Type 2 Diabetes

A form of diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Ketoacidosis

A serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body starts breaking down fats at an excessive rate, producing ketones.

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)

A serious condition that can occur in type 2 diabetes, characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels without significant ketones.