BIOL 242 Ch. 17: The Endocrine System

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 17 on the Endocrine System.

Endocrine System

System of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions.

Hormones

Chemical substances (usually proteins or steroids) secreted by endocrine glands that regulate metabolic functions at target cells.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances through ducts to an exterior surface or into body cavities.

Neuroendocrine

Refers to the interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system, involving the hypothalamus.

Glucagon

Hormone secreted by alpha cells of the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Insulin

Hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular uptake.

Negative Feedback System

Regulatory mechanism in which a change in a physiological variable triggers a response that counteracts the initial change.

Thyroid Hormone (TH)

Comprises of T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which regulate metabolism and other functions within the body.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that plays a role in stress response and metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism

Condition characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like weight loss and increased appetite.

Diabetes Mellitus

Endocrine disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to issues with insulin secretion or action.

Pituitary Gland

The 'master gland' of the endocrine system that regulates various hormonal functions in other endocrine glands.

Calcium Homeostasis

The regulation of calcium levels in the blood, primarily controlled by calcitonin from the thyroid and parathyroid hormone.

Adrenal cortex

Outer region of the adrenal glands responsible for producing corticosteroids such as cortisol and aldosterone.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions (like temperature and pH) in the body despite external changes.

Gonads

Reproductive organs (testes in males and ovaries in females) that produce sex hormones and gametes.

Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, controlling various functions such as temperature regulation and hormone release.

Hormonal Regulation

The process by which hormones control the activity of cells and organs in the body, ensuring homeostasis.

Endocrine Disorders

Medical conditions that arise from abnormalities in hormone levels or hormonal signaling, such as hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency.

Stress Response

The body's reaction to perceived threats, involving endocrine changes such as increased cortisol production.

Estrogen

A group of hormones primarily responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Testosterone

A male sex hormone produced by the testes that is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.