Chapter 16: Endocrine Glands & Abbreviations

LH

luteinizing hormone

adrenal glands or suprarenals

paired glands, one of which is located above each kidney. The outer portions is called the adrenal cortex, and the inner portion is called the adrenal medulla, The following hormones are secreted by the adrenal glands: cortisol, aldosterone, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

FBS

fasting blood sugar

FSH

follicle-stimulating hormone

parathyroid glands

four small bodies embedded in the posterior aspect of the lobes of the thyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), the hormone produced by the glands, helps maintain the level of calcium in the blood.

HbA1C

glycosylated hemoglobin

GH

growth hormone

anterior lobe or adenohypophysis

produces and secretes the following hormones: GH, ACTH, TSH, gonadotropic hormones, FSH, LH, PRH, and lactogenic hormone.

PRH

prolactin-releasing hormone

prolactin-releasing hormone (PRH), lactogenic hormone

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

RAIU

radioactive iodine uptake

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH)

regulate development, growth, and function of the ovaries and testes

growth hormone (GH)

regulates the growth of the body

aldosterone

secreted by the adrenal cortex. Electrolytes (mineral salts) that are necessary for normal body function are regulated by this hormone.

cortisol

secreted by the adrenal cortex. It aids the body during stress by increasing glucose levels to provide energy (also called hydrocortisone).

epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

secreted by the adrenal medulla. These hormones help the body to deal with stress by increasing the blood pressure, heartbeat, and respirations.

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

stimulates the adrenal cortex

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

stimulates the kidney to reabsorb water

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

stimulates the thyroid gland

oxytocin

stimulates uterine contractions during labor and postpartum

posterior lobe or neurohypophysis

stores and releases antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin

TSH

thyroid-stimulating hormone

T4

thyroxine level

ACTH

adrenocorticotropic hormone

gonadotrophic hormones

affect the male and female reproductive systems

ADH

antidiuretic hormone

pituitary gland or hypophysis cerebri

approximately the size of a pea and located at the base of the brain. The pituitary is divided into two lobes. It is often referred to as the master gland because it produces hormones that stimulate the function of other endocrine glands.

islet of Langerhans

clusters of endocrine tissue found throughout the pancreas, made up of different cell types that secrete various hormones, including insulin and glucagon. Non-endocrine cells found throughout the pancreas produce enzymes that facilitate digestion.

DI

diabetes insipidus

DM

diabetes mellitus

thyroid gland

largest endocrine gland. It is located anteriorly in the neck below the larynx and comprises bilateral lobes connected by an isthmus. The thyroid gland secretes the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which require iodine for their production. Thyroxine is necessary for body cell metabolism.

hypothalamus

located superior to the pituitary gland in the brain. The hypothalamus secretes "releasing" hormones that function to stimulate or inhibit the release of pituitary gland hormones.