Endochrine System Flashcards
Hypothalamus
Fluid balance, smooth muscle contraction, and the control of hormone secretion by the anterior pituitary gland
Pituitary gland Posterior
Stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin
Pituitary gland Anterior
Produces and secrets several hormones:
GH
TSH
ACTH
FSH
LH
Prolactin
Thyroid gland
Regulates Metabolism
Parathyroid gland
Regulates calcium levels in the blood
Thymus
Stimulation and coordination of the immune response
Adrenal glands
Hormones that help the body with stress
Pancreas
Produces insulin and glucagon which regulates blood sugar levels
Ovaries
Produce estrogen and progesterone which are involved in female sexual development and reproduction
Testes
Produce testosterone which is involved in male sexual development and reproduction
Pineal gland
Produces melatonin, which regulates sleep wake cycle
Direct communication
Form of communication with other cells through gap junctions, that transmit ions, small solutes, and lipid soluble material
Paracrine communication
Exchange of paracrine factors through extra cellular fluid
Endocrine communication
Exchange of hormones through the bloodstream
Synaptic communication
Exchange of neurotransmitters across synaptic cleft
Amino acid derivatives
Compounds formed by modifying the structure of an amino acid
Peptide hormones
Hormones that are made of small chains of amino acids
Lipid derivatives
Hormones that come from fats or lipids
Oxytocin
Involved in childbirth, lactation and social bonding
Vasopressin (anti diuretic hormone, ADH)
Regulates water balance and blood pressure (Prevents Urination)
Growth Hormone GH
Stimulates growth and cell division
Thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH
Controls the production of thyroid hormones which regulates metabolism
Andrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH
Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a stress hormone
Follicle-stimulating hormone FSH
In females, it promotes egg development
In males, it stimulates sperm production
Luteinizing hormone LH
In females, it triggers ovulation
In males it stimulates testosterone production
Prolactin
Stimulates milk production in females after childbirth
cAMP Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
A crucial second messenger molecule involved in intracellular signaling
First messenger
Relaying message to an intracellular intermediary
Second messenger
Affects enzyme activity and changes cellular metabolic reactions
Releasing hormones
Stimulates hormone release
Inhibiting hormones
Prevent hormone release
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone MSH
Stimulates melanocytes of skin to increase melanin production
