bio test

Flashcards for Hormones & Their Actions

1. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

🔹 Gland: Hypothalamus (stored in Posterior Pituitary)
🔹 Function: Conserves water
🔹 Steps:

1. Hypothalamus detects low water levels → Triggers ADH release.

2. ADH travels to kidneys → Increases water reabsorption.

3. Urine output decreases, and blood water levels normalize.

2. Oxytocin

🔹 Gland: Hypothalamus (stored in Posterior Pituitary)
🔹 Function: Stimulates contractions & milk ejection
🔹 Steps:

1. Childbirth: Baby’s head presses on cervix → More oxytocin released → Stronger contractions (positive feedback).

2. Breastfeeding: Baby suckles → Oxytocin releases → Milk is ejected from mammary glands.

3. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

🔹 Gland: Anterior Pituitary
🔹 Function: Stimulates thyroid hormone release
🔹 Steps:

1. Hypothalamus detects low thyroid hormones → Releases TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone).

2. TRH signals anterior pituitary → Releases TSH.

3. TSH stimulates thyroid → Produces T3 & T4 (increase metabolism).

4. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

🔹 Gland: Anterior Pituitary
🔹 Function: Triggers cortisol release
🔹 Steps:

1. Hypothalamus detects stress → Releases CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone).

2. CRH signals anterior pituitary → Releases ACTH.

3. ACTH stimulates adrenal cortex → Releases cortisol (manages stress & increases blood sugar).

5. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

🔹 Gland: Anterior Pituitary
🔹 Function: Stimulates egg and sperm production
🔹 Steps:

1. Hypothalamus releases GnRH → Signals anterior pituitary.

2. FSH is released → In females, it helps mature eggs & estrogen production.

3. In males, it stimulates sperm production in testes.

6. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

🔹 Gland: Anterior Pituitary
🔹 Function: Triggers ovulation & testosterone production
🔹 Steps:

1. In females: LH surge causes ovulation → Triggers progesterone production.

2. In males: LH stimulates Leydig cells in testes → Releases testosterone.

7. Growth Hormone (GH)

🔹 Gland: Anterior Pituitary
🔹 Function: Stimulates growth
🔹 Steps:

1. Hypothalamus releases GHRH → Signals anterior pituitary.

2. GH is released → Stimulates bones and muscles to grow.

3. Also promotes fat breakdown for energy.

8. Prolactin

🔹 Gland: Anterior Pituitary
🔹 Function: Stimulates milk production
🔹 Steps:

1. Hypothalamus releases PRH → Signals anterior pituitary.

2. Prolactin is released → Mammary glands produce milk.

3. Prolactin also inhibits ovulation (temporary birth control while nursing).

9. Endorphins

🔹 Gland: Anterior Pituitary
🔹 Function: Natural painkillers
🔹 Steps:

1. Released in response to pain or stress.

2. Bind to opioid receptors → Block pain signals.

3. Create feelings of euphoria (e.g., after exercise).

10. Thymosin

🔹 Gland: Thymus
🔹 Function: Develops immune system
🔹 Steps:

1. Stimulates T-cell production in early life.

2. Helps white blood cells mature for immunity.

11. Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

🔹 Gland: Adrenal Medulla
🔹 Function: Fight-or-flight response
🔹 Steps:

1. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system.

2. Adrenal glands release epinephrine.

3. Heart rate increases, airways open, glucose is released for energy.

12. Hydrocortisone (Cortisol)

🔹 Gland: Adrenal Cortex
🔹 Function: Manages stress & glucose levels
🔹 Steps:

1. Released during stress → Increases blood sugar.

2. Breaks down fat & proteins for energy.

3. Suppresses immune system to prevent inflammation.

13. Corticosterone

🔹 Gland: Adrenal Cortex
🔹 Function: Supports stress response
🔹 Steps:

1. Works with cortisol to regulate metabolism.

2. Helps control immune response.

14. Melatonin

🔹 Gland: Pineal Gland
🔹 Function: Regulates sleep-wake cycle
🔹 Steps:

1. Darkness triggers melatonin release → Makes you sleepy.

2. Light suppresses melatonin → Helps you stay awake.

15. Insulin

🔹 Gland: Pancreas (Beta Cells)
🔹 Function: Lowers blood sugar
🔹 Steps:

1. Released when blood sugar is high (after eating).

2. Helps cells absorb glucose → Lowers blood sugar.

16. Glucagon

🔹 Gland: Pancreas (Alpha Cells)
🔹 Function: Raises blood sugar
🔹 Steps:

1. Released when blood sugar is low (fasting).

2. Stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose.

3. Glucose is released into the bloodstream.

17. Testosterone

🔹 Gland: Testes
🔹 Function: Male development & sperm production
🔹 Steps:

1. LH stimulates Leydig cells in testes → Testosterone is released.

2. Promotes muscle growth, deep voice, and sperm production.

18. Estrogen

🔹 Gland: Ovaries
🔹 Function: Female development & menstrual cycle
🔹 Steps:

1. FSH stimulates the ovaries → Estrogen is released.

2. Regulates menstrual cycle & prepares uterus for pregnancy.

19. Progesterone

🔹 Gland: Ovaries
🔹 Function: Prepares uterus for pregnancy
🔹 Steps:

1. Released after ovulation (by corpus luteum).

2. Thickens uterine lining for fertilized egg.

3. Maintains pregnancy & prevents contractions.

How to Use These Flashcards:

• Read the hormone name & try to recall the function before checking the steps.

• Mix them up & quiz yourself.

• Want printable flashcards? Let me know, and I’ll format them for you!

Let me know if you need any tweaks! 📚💡😊