Chap 18 Endocrine System, Vocabulary, Major Endocrine Glands

Question 1

adrenal cortex

Answer 1

Outer section (cortex) of each adrenal gland; secretes cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones.

Question 2

adrenal medulla

Answer 2

Inner section (medulla) of each adrenal gland; secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Question 3

ovaries

Answer 3

Located in the lower abdomen of a female; responsible for egg production and estrogen and progesterone secretion.

Question 4

pancreas

Answer 4

Located behind the stomach. Islet (alpha and beta) cells (islets of Langerhans) secrete hormones from the pancreas. The pancreas also contains cells that are exocrine in function. They secrete enzymes, via a duct, into the small intestine to aid digestion.

Question 5

parathyroid glands

Answer 5

Four small glands on the posterior of the thyroid gland. Some people may have three or five parathyroid glands.

Question 6

pituitary gland (hypophysis)

Answer 6

Located at the base of the brain in the sella turcica; composed of an anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and a posterior lobe (neurohypophysis). It weighs only 1/16 of an ounce and is a half-inch across.

Question 7

testes

Answer 7

Two glands enclosed in the scrotal sac of a male; responsible for sperm production and testosterone secretion.

Question 8

Thyroid gland

Answer 8

Located in the neck on either side of the trachea; secretes thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and calcitonin.