The Endocrine System

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to the Endocrine System.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that regulate physiological processes.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones, coordinating and controlling various bodily functions.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism despite changes in external conditions.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by neurons that transmit signals across a synapse to a target cell.

Autocrine signaling

A form of signaling in which a cell secretes a hormone or chemical messenger that binds to receptors on its own cell surface.

Paracrine signaling

A form of signaling where a cell produces signals to induce changes in nearby cells.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism whereby a change in a physiological variable triggers responses that counteract that change.

Pituitary Gland

A major endocrine gland that controls various physiological processes by releasing hormones regulated by the hypothalamus.

Adrenal Glands

Glands located on top of the kidneys that produce hormones involved in stress response, metabolism, and electrolyte balance.

Thyroid Hormones

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism, energy generation, and development.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate metabolism and stress responses.

Oxytocin

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.

Testosterone

A steroid hormone produced by the testes that is responsible for male secondary sex characteristics and sperm production.

Estrogens

A group of hormones that regulate the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid that helps lower blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)

A hormone produced by the heart that lowers blood pressure by promoting sodium and water excretion.

Melatonin

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

Epinephrine

A hormone and neurotransmitter also known as adrenaline, produced by the adrenal medulla that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 Diabetes

A condition where insulin resistance occurs, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

What are glands?

Glands are specialized organs that secrete substances such as hormones, enzymes, or other fluids.

Endocrine glands

Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily functions.

Exocrine glands

Exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts to external surfaces or into body cavities.

Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland, often termed the 'master gland', regulates other endocrine glands and various bodily functions.

Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and growth.

Adrenal glands

Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress response.

Pancreas

The pancreas serves both endocrine and exocrine functions, producing insulin and digestive enzymes.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system, controlling the pituitary gland.