ENDOCRINE GLANDS Flashcards
” refer to specialized organs or tissues within the body that synthesize and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
“Endocrine glands
Structure:
, also known as the hypophysis, is a small, pea-sized gland.
Location:
is located in the pituitary fossa (sella turcica) of the sphenoid bone.
The pituitary gland
Structure:
It’s a butterfly shape due to the gland consisting of two lobes that are connected by a piece of tissue called the isthmus.
Location:
is located in the front of the neck, right below the larynx and next to and around to the trachea
THYROID GLAND
Structure:
are small endocrine glands located near or attached to the posterior surface of the thyroid gland.
Location:
are small endocrine glands located in the anterior neck. They are responsible for the production of parathyroid hormone
parathyroid glands
Structure:
often referred to as suprarenal glands, are endocrine glands that secrete adrenaline as well as the steroids cortisol and aldosterone.
Location:
We can find them above the kidneys. Every gland consists of an inner medulla and an outer cortex that both make steroid hormones.
ADRENAL GLAND
Structure:
is an elongated gland located deep within the abdomen, tucked in between the stomach and the spine. It is involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels and digestion.
Location:
is a gland located deep inside the abdomen, just behind the lower part of the stomach
PANCREAS
Structure:
gland is a pink, lobulated lymphoid organ. The thymus gland has an asymmetrical flat shape, with a lobular structure.
Location:
Located in the thoracic cavity and neck.
Thymus
Structure:
is a tiny, around 6 mm-long glandular body. Its name is derived from the fact that it is formed like a pine cone. Location:
is a small endocrine gland located within the brain.
PINEAL GLAND
lowers the volume of urine produced and preserves bodily water by increasing the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb water.
antidiuretic hormone
stimulates the ejection of milk during nursing and the contractions of the uterus during parturition.
OXYTOCIN
stimulates growth and development of bones and tissues,
GROWTH HORMONE
stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones which regulate metabolism.
THYROID-STIMULATING
HORMONE (TSH)
stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol,
ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE (ACTH)
stimulates the production and dispersion of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration
MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONE
(MSH)
In females, LH stimulates ovulation and the production of estrogen and progesterone. In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone.
LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH)
In females, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. In males, FSH stimulates sperm production
FOLLICLE-STIMULATING
HORMONE (FSH
Stimulates milk production (lactation) in mammary glands.
PROLACTIN (PRL)
Regulates metabolism, growth, and development by increasing cellular metabolism
THYROID HORMONE
(T3/T4)
Inhibits bone breakdown by osteoclasts and promotes calcium excretion by the kidneys, thereby lowering blood calcium levels.
CALCITONIN (CT)
Increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption, enhancing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys
PARATHYROID HORMONE (PTH)
Mediates the body’s “fight or flight” response by increasing heart rate, dilating airways
EPINEPHRINE (Epi)
Increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys
ALDOSTERONE
Plays a key role in the body’s stress response by increasing blood glucose levels
CORTISOL
Regulates the sleep-wake cycle by inhibiting the activity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in response to darkness.
MELATONIN
