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.