Endocrine Glands and Hormones

Flashcards for reviewing endocrine glands and hormones.

Pituitary Gland

Approximately the size of a pea and located at the base of the brain. Often referred to as the master gland because it produces hormones that stimulate the function of other endocrine glands.

Anterior Lobe

Produces and secretes hormones.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Regulates the growth of the body.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates the adrenal cortex.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Stimulates the thyroid gland.

Gonadotropic Hormones

Stimulate the gonads (the testes in males and ovaries in females).

Prolactin (PRL)

Promotes development of glandular tissue during pregnancy and produces milk after birth of an infant.

Posterior Lobe

Stores and releases antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Stimulates the kidney to reabsorb water and constricts blood vessels to help maintain blood pressure.

Oxytocin

Stimulates uterine contractions during labor and postpartum, and milk let down by the breasts postpartum.

Hypothalamus

Secretes releasing hormones that function to stimulate or inhibit the release of pituitary gland hormones.

Thyroid Gland

Largest endocrine gland, located anteriorly in the neck below the larynx, comprises bilateral lobes connected by an isthmus. Secretes triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which require iodine for their production.

Parathyroid Glands

Four small bodies embedded in the posterior aspect of the lobes of the thyroid gland, that helps maintain the level of calcium in the blood by its effects on bone and kidneys.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of endocrine tissue found throughout the pancreas, made up of different cell types that secrete various hormones, including insulin and glucagon.

Adrenal Glands

Paired glands, one of which is located superior to each kidney. The outer portion is called the adrenal cortex, and the inner portion is called the adrenal medulla.

Cortisol

Secreted by the adrenal cortex, aids the body during stress by increasing glucose levels to provide energy.

Aldosterone

Secreted by the adrenal cortex, regulates electrolytes (mineral salts) that are necessary for normal body function.

Epinephrine, Norepinephrine

Secreted by the adrenal medulla, helps the body to deal with stress by increasing the blood pressure, heartbeat, and respirations.