CH. 16: Endocrine Terms

Question 1

pituitary gland

Answer 1

approx. 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 (also called hypophysis cerebri).

Question 2

anterior lobe

Answer 2

produces and secretes the following hormones (also called adenohypophysis)

Question 3

growth hormone (GH)

Answer 3

regulates the growth of the body

Question 4

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Answer 4

stimulates the adrenal cortex

Question 5

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Answer 5

stimulates the thyroid gland

Question 6

gonadotropic hormones

Answer 6

stimulate the gonads (the testes in males and ovaries in females). Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are the gonadotropic hormones released from the adenohypophysis.

Question 7

prolactin (PRL)

Answer 7

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

Question 8

posterior lobe

Answer 8

stores and releases antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin (also called neurohypophysis)

Question 9

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Answer 9

stimulates the kidney to reabsorb water and constricts blood vessels to help maintain blood pressure (also called vasopressin)

Question 10

oxytocin

Answer 10

stimulates uterine contractions during labor and postpartum, and milk let down by the breasts postpartum.

Question 11

hypothalamus

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

thyroid gland

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

parathyroid glands

Answer 13

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 by its effects on bone and kidneys.

Question 14

islets of Langerhans

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

adrenal glands

Answer 15

paired glands, one of which is located superior to each kidney. The outer portion is called the adrenal cortex, and the inner portion is called the adrenal medulla.

Question 16

cortisol

Answer 16

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

Question 17

aldosterone

Answer 17

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

Question 18

epinephrine & norepinephrine

Answer 18

secreted by the adrenal medulla. These hormones help the body to deal with stress by increasing the blood pressure, heartbeat, and respirations (also called adrenaline and noradrenaline)