Endocrine System Terminology

Flashcards of key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the endocrine system.

Endocrine

Refers to glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Hypothyroidism

A condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and produces too little hormone.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much hormone.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Adrenomegaly

Abnormal enlargement of the adrenal glands.

Parathyroidectomy

Surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands.

Glucogenesis

The formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources in the body.

Suprarenal

Pertaining to the location above the kidney; another name for the adrenal glands.

Norepinephrine

A hormone and neurotransmitter involved in the body’s stress response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

Corticosteroid

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or synthetic drug mimicking it.

Thyrotoxicosis

A condition caused by excessive thyroid hormones, often leading to metabolic imbalance.

Endocrinology

The study of the endocrine glands and hormones.

Endocrinologist

A doctor who specializes in the endocrine system and hormone-related conditions.

Diuretic

A substance that promotes the production of urine.

Antidiuretic

A hormone that helps prevent the loss of water from the body by reducing urine output.

Acromegaly

A disorder caused by excess growth hormone, resulting in enlarged extremities.

Achondroplasia

A genetic disorder affecting bone growth, leading to dwarfism.

Calcitonin

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

Thyroiditis

Inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Glucocorticoid

A type of steroid hormone that influences glucose metabolism.

Hypoglycemia

A condition of abnormally low blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycemia

A condition of abnormally high blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Mellitus

A metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels due to insulin issues.

Parathyroid

Small glands located beside the thyroid, regulating calcium levels.

Progesterone

A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports gestation.

Estrogen

A female sex hormone that regulates reproductive and secondary sexual characteristics.

Testosterone

A male sex hormone that influences male characteristics and sperm production.

Hypothalamus

A brain region below the thalamus that controls the pituitary gland and regulates many bodily functions.

Cretinism

A condition of severely stunted physical and mental growth due to untreated congenital hypothyroidism.

Gigantism

A disorder of excessive growth due to overproduction of growth hormone in childhood.

Hormone

A chemical messenger produced by glands to regulate various bodily functions.

Exocrine

Glands that release their secretions through ducts to the outside of the body or into a cavity.

Hypothalamus

The brain region that links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

Gonadotropin

A hormone that stimulates the gonads (e.g., LH and FSH).

Hyperinsulinism

A condition of excessive insulin in the blood, often leading to low blood sugar.

Menopause

The natural stopping of menstruation and reproductive capability in women.

Hyperaldosteronism

A disorder caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal glands.

Adrenal

Pertaining to the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys and produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Adrenaline

Also called epinephrine, it is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands during stress that increases heart rate and energy.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythms).

Pituitary

A small gland at the base of the brain that controls other endocrine glands and secretes growth and other hormones.

Pineal

Pertaining to the pineal gland, a small gland that produces melatonin and regulates sleep patterns.

Thymus

A gland located behind the sternum that plays a role in immune function, especially in childhood.

Thymosin

A hormone secreted by the thymus that stimulates the development of T-cells (a type of immune cell).

Thyroxin

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate metabolism, also known as T4.

Adrenocorticotropic

A hormone (ACTH) that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release its hormones, such as cortisol.

Thyrotropic

Refers to a hormone (TSH) that stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.

Hypercalcemia

A condition characterized by an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood.

Prolactin

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in the breasts after childbirth.

Oxytocin

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland; it causes uterine contractions during childbirth and promotes bonding.