Allied Health SAC 2

Homeostasis

The body’s ability to maintain stable internal conditions essential for survival and normal functioning.

Endocrine System

A slow-acting control system that uses chemical messengers called hormones to regulate various functions.

Hormones

Chemical substances secreted by endocrine cells to regulate the metabolic activity of other cells.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

The primary method of hormone regulation where a gland detects and responds to fluctuations in the concentration of a substance it controls.

Pituitary Gland

A gland the size of a pea located on the inferior surface of the brain, controlling hormone release through signals from the hypothalamus.

Adrenal Glands

Glands located on top of the kidneys that produce various hormones including corticosteroids and epinephrine.

Thyroid Hormone

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that controls metabolic processes and tissue development.

Glucagon

A hormone released by pancreatic alpha cells when blood glucose levels are low.

Insulin

A hormone released by pancreatic beta cells when blood glucose levels are high.

Mineralocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, involved in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the blood.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Prolactin (PRL)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in females.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that regulates the activities of the ovaries and testes, affecting follicle development in females and sperm production in males.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that controls ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone that stimulates the release of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland.

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that causes the kidneys to reabsorb water, reducing urine formation.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

A hormone responsible for the growth of body cells.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that controls blood calcium levels and is essential for nerve, muscle, bone, heart, and kidney function.

Thymosin

A hormone produced by the thymus gland that is essential for the development of T-cells.

Androgens

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, important for the development of male characteristics.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

A hormone released during stress that initiates the fight-or-flight response.

Cushing’s Syndrome

A disorder caused by excess cortisol in the body, leading to symptoms such as weight gain and high blood pressure.

Diabetes

A disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production or response.

Hypothyroidism

A condition where the thyroid produces insufficient thyroid hormones, leading to slowed metabolism.

Endometriosis

A disorder where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and dysfunction.

Testosterone

A hormone responsible for the growth and development of male reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics.

Oestrogen

A hormone that regulates female reproductive processes and the development of secondary sex characteristics.

Acne

A skin condition characterized by blockage and inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland located in the neck that produces thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and influence growth and development.

Cortisol

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps control metabolism, reduce inflammation, and manage stress.

Adrenaline

Another name for epinephrine, a hormone released in response to stress that increases heart rate and energy supplies.

Diabetes Type 1

An autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Type 2

A chronic condition affecting the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose), often associated with insulin resistance.

Gestational Diabetes

A form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, characterized by high blood sugar levels that typically resolve after giving birth.

Thyroidectomy

A surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, often performed to treat thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism.

Anterior Pituitary Gland\n\n

The front part of the pituitary gland that secretes hormones like FSH, LH, TSH, ACTH, PRL, and HGH, regulating various bodily functions.

Posterior Pituitary Gland

The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones like oxytocin and ADH produced by the hypothalamus.

Kidney

An organ that filters blood, removes waste, and produces urine; labeled structures include renal artery (red) and renal vein (blue).

Urine Formation

The process by which kidneys filter blood to remove waste products, reabsorb essential substances, and transport urine to the bladder for excretion.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Biological features directly related to reproduction, such as ovaries in females and testes in males.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical traits that develop during puberty, including breast development in females and facial hair in males, influenced by hormones.

Layers of the Skin

The skin consists of three main layers: the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis (inner layer).\n\n

Lobes of the Brain

The brain is divided into four lobes: frontal (decision making), parietal (sensorimotor processing), temporal (auditory processing), and occipital (vision).

Left Hemisphere

Typically responsible for language, logic, and analytical thinking; controls the right side of the body.

Right Hemisphere

Generally associated with creativity, intuition, and spatial ability; controls the left side of the body.

Cerebellum

A brain region that coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and equilibrium.

Reflexes

Automatic responses to stimuli, managed by neural pathways, crucial for protection and quick reactions.

Disorders of the Endocrine System

Conditions affecting hormone production and function, including diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Disorders of the Nervous System

Conditions affecting brain, spinal cord, and nerves, including strokes, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.

Disorders of the Reproductive System

Conditions affecting reproductive health, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), erectile dysfunction, and infertility.

Disorders of the Integumentary System

Conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, including eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

Estrogen

A hormone that regulates female reproductive processes and the development of secondary sex characteristics.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the fight-or-flight response during stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest-and-digest activities, promoting relaxation and energy conservation.

Hirsutism

Excessive hair growth in women in areas usually only found in men, often associated with hormonal imbalances.