Endocrine System Vocabulary Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering endocrine glands, their associated hormones, physiological effects, and related medical malfunctions.

Endocrine gland

A gland that secretes hormones into tissues or directly into the bloodstream to integrate body systems.

Exocrine gland

A gland that secretes substances through a duct.

Hormone

A substance secreted by an endocrine gland, picked up in the bloodstream, that affects the function of a target cell.

Amplification

The process that magnifies the effect of a hormone on its target cell.

Infundibulum

The stalk-like structure that connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus.

Adenohypophysis

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which is composed mostly of glandular tissue.

Neurohypophysis

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, composed mostly of neural tissue from the hypothalamus.

Sella Turcica

The bony structure of the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland.

Growth hormone (GH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that promotes the growth of body tissues and induces targets to produce insulin-like growth factors (IGF).

Prolactin (PRL)

An anterior pituitary hormone that promotes milk production from mammary glands.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the release of thyroid hormone (TH).

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the release of hormones, specifically glucocorticoids, by the adrenal cortex.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates gamete (sperm and egg) production in the gonads.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates androgen production by gonads and induces ovulation in females.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A posterior pituitary hormone that stimulates water reabsorption by the kidneys and maintains water balance.

Oxytocin (OT)

A posterior pituitary hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and triggers milk ejection.

Thyroxine ($T_4$) and Triiodothyronine ($T_3$)

Thyroid hormones that stimulate the basal metabolic rate and increase rates of ATP production.

Calcitonin (CT)

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that reduces blood $Ca^{2+}$ levels by inhibiting osteoclasts and stimulating calcium excretion in the kidneys.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts and enhancing calcium absorption in the kidneys and digestive tract.

Zona glomerulosa

The region of the adrenal cortex that releases mineralcorticoids, such as aldosterone, to regulate mineral balance.

Aldosterone

A mineralcorticoid that increases blood $Na^{+}$ levels by stimulating conservation of sodium and elimination of potassium.

Zona fasciculata

The region of the adrenal cortex that releases glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, to regulate glucose metabolism.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid that increases blood glucose levels and exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting immune system components.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner part of the adrenal gland that secretes epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) to stimulate the fight-or-flight response.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates sleep cycles (circadian rhythms) and inhibits reproductive functions.

Insulin

A hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreatic islets that reduces blood glucose levels by accelerating glucose uptake and usage.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by alpha cells in the pancreatic islets that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis).

Somatostatin

A hormone produced by delta cells in the pancreas that inhibits the release of both insulin and glucagon.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

A hormone produced by the heart that reduces blood volume, blood pressure, and $Na^{+}$ concentration.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone released by the kidneys that triggers the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Calcitriol

A hormone released by the kidneys that aids in the absorption of $Ca^{2+}$ in the digestive tract.

Thymosins

Hormones produced by the thymus that aid in the development of T lymphocytes of the immune system.

Diabetes insipidus

A disorder of water balance caused when the brain fails to make enough ADH, leading to polyuria, dehydration, and thirst.

Graves Disease

A form of hyperthyroidism characterized by a high metabolic rate and high body temperature.

Addison’s disease

A condition caused by a deficiency of glucocorticoids, resulting in stress intolerance and inability to maintain normal blood glucose levels.

Cushing’s syndrome

A condition caused by excessive glucocorticoids, characterized by "moon face," hyperglycemia, and fluid retention.

Diabetes Mellitus (Type I)

A malfunction involving hyposecretion of insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels.