Endocrine System Review

oxytocin

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. It induces contractions of the uterine muscles during labor.

progesterone

A hormone produced by the ovaries which acts with estrogen to bring about the menstral cycle.

adrenocorticotropic hormone

A peptide hormone released from the anterior pituitary, it stimulates the production and secretion of steroid hormones by the adrenal cortex.

luteinizing hormone

A protein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates ovulation in females and androgen production in males.

pineal gland

A small mass of tissue near the center of the brain; it secretes the hormone melatonin.

Prolactin

Peptide hormone released by anterior pituitary which promotes lactation.

positive feedback

Process that amplifies a small change (Reinforce change)

calcitonin

Produced by the thyroid gland and decreases the blood calcium levels by stimulating calcium deposit in the bones. The antagonist of the parathyroid hormone.

testosterone

The male sex hormone produced by the testes which promotes the maturation of the reproductive system accessory structures, and development of the male secondary sex characteristics.

endocrine system

a collection of glands and groups of cells thats secrete hormones that regulate growth,development, and homeostsis

osteoporosis

a condition in which the body's bones become weak and break easily; may be caused by hypersecretion of parahormone

diabetes

a condition in which the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the body's cells cannot use it properly, characterized by excessive thirst, weight loss/gain, frequent urination.

aldosterone

a corticosteroid hormone that is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland, regulates mineral balance in blood and controls fluid volumes

estrogen

a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics

insulin

a hormone secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans of the pancreas responsible for regulating the metabolism of glucose

negative feedback

a response that opposes the original stimulus

hormones

chemical "messengers" of the endocrine system that are released into the blood

steroid hormone

class of hormones that can pass through the cell membrane; can be stored in the body

protein hormones

class of hormones that cannot pass through the cell membrane; less likely to be stored in the body

tetany

condition affecting nerves causing muscle spasms as a result of low amounts of calcium in the blood caused by a deficiency of the parathyroid hormone

hyposecretion

deficient hormone production by an endocrine gland

hypersecretion

excessive hormone production by an endocrine gland

Cushing syndrome

excessive production of cortisol by adrenal cortex with symptoms of abnormal fat deposits and wasting away of muscle

thyroid gland

gland found in neck that regulates rate of metabolism; produces thyroxine

glucagon

hormone secreted by alpha cells of the pancreas; raises blood glucose levels

growth hormone

hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland that stimulates growth of bones

antidiuretic hormone

hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland which aids in water reabsorption by the kidney

medulla

inner part of kidney which produces epineprine and norepinephrine

prostaglandins

local hormones that do not enter the bloodstream

pancreas

located partially behind the stomach in the abdomen, and it functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland. It produces digestive enzymes as well as insulin and glucagon

two messenger model

mechanism of hormone action used by protein hormones; attach to cell membrane receptors which activate enzymes in the cell to produce the desired effect

one messenger model

mechanism of hormone action used by steroid hormones which bring their message directly into the cell

adrenal gland

one of a pair of ductless glands, located above the kidneys, consisting of a cortex, which produces steroidal hormones, and a medulla, which produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

cortex

outer part of kidney which produces corticosteroids; helps body deal with longtern stress

hypothalamus

part of the brain which links the endocine and nervous system, and controls the pituitary gland.

parahormone

secreted by parathyroid glands and controls calcium and phosphate metabolism

cortisol

secreted from the adrenal cortex, aids the body during stress by regulating glucose, carbohydrates, and fat levels

follicle stimulating hormone

secreted in increasing amounts during puberty, by the anterior pituitary gland, to stimulate development of reproductive cell follicles

pituitary gland

the master gland of the endocrine system

Thymus gland

Gland located near the heart; it aids in the body's defence against infection by making antibodies

melatonin

Hormone secreted by the pineal gland, used to regulate sleep patterns.

acromegaly

Hypersecretion of the GH in adults which causes an overgrowth of bones in the hands, feet, and face