Biology Endocrine Flashcards
Releases ADH and oxytocin that is produced by the hypothalamus
Posterior Pituitary
Produces melatonin (Influences the body’s daily sleep/wake cycle; thought to promote sleepiness)
Pineal
Produces two hormones
Thyroxine – increases metabolic rate and regulates growth and development
Calcitonin – lowers blood calcium level by stopping bones from releasing calcium into the bloodstream and stimulating the kidneys to absorb extra calcium
Thyroid
Produces parathyroid hormone (PTH) - Raises blood calcium levels by stimulating the bone cells to release calcium, the intestine to absorb calcium from food, and the kidneys to reabsorb calcium
PTH and calcitonin work in opposition to each other to regulate blood calcium levels
Parathyroid
Produces three classes of hormones
glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol) - Stimulate tissues to raise blood glucose and break down protein
mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone) - Promote reabsorption of sodium and water by the kidneys
Gonadocorticoids (e.g. certain androgens) - Promote secondary sexual characteristics
Adrenal Cortex
Produces epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline and noradrenaline) – both hormones are “fight or flight” hormones which raise blood sugar levels
Adrenal Medulla
As an endocrine gland, produces two major hormones
Insulin - Lowers blood glucose levels and promotes the formation of glycogen in the liver
Glucagon - Raises blood glucose levels by converting glycogen to glucose
Pancreas
Produces two major hormones
Estrogen - Stimulates uterine lining growth and promotes development of the female secondary sexual characteristics
Progesterone - Promotes growth of the uterine lining and prevents uterine muscle contractions
Ovaries
Produces testosterone
Promotes sperm formation and development of the male secondary sexual characteristics
Testes
Control center of the endocrine system (by regulating the pituitary gland)
Secretes hypothalamic releasing- and inhibiting-hormones
Regulates anterior pituitary hormones
Produces ADH (regulates water balance in kidneys)
Produces oxytocin (stimulates uterine contractions and release of milk)
Hypothalamus
Secretes numerous hormones
HGH - Stimulates cell division, bone and muscle growth, and metabolic functions
TSH - Stimulates the thyroid gland
ACTH - Stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids
FSH - Stimulates production of ova and sperm from the ovaries and testes
LH - Stimulates sex hormone production from the ovaries and testes
Prolactin - Stimulates milk production from the mammary glands
Anterior Pituitary
