Endocrine system Flashcards
the endocrine system assists what system in homeostasis and what important roles does it play?
the nervous system; growth and sexual maturation
what are other roles of the endocrine system and nervous system as they assist each other?
coordinate and control the body, but the endocrine system has more long-lasting and widespread effects
where do the endocrine system and nervous system meet?
the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
the hypothalamus governs:
the pituitary and is in turn controlled by the feedback of hormones in the blood
hormones are:
chemical messengers
what are some functions of hormones?
they control growth, differentiation and metabolism of specific target cells
what are the 2 major groups of hormones?
steroid and nonsteroid
what hormones enter the target cells and have a direct effect on the DNA of the nucleus?
steroid
some nonsteroid hormones are ______ hormones
protein
many protein hormones remain at the cell surface and act through a second messenger, usually a substance called:
adenosine monophosphate (AMP)
most hormones affect cell activity by:
altering the rate of protein synthesis
the endocrine glands are grouped together as a system because
the main function of each gland is the production of hormones
what other organs produce hormones as well?
stomach, small intestine, and kidneys
what gland is nicknamed the master gland?
pituitary gland
what is the pituitary gland attached to?
the hypothalamus by a stalk called the infundibulum
the pituitary gland has 2 major portions:
the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis)
hormones of the adenohypophysis are called:
tropic hormones because they act mainly on other endocrine glands
what are the tropic hormones?
- somatotropin hormone (STH) or growth hormone (GH)
- adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
- thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- luteinizing hormone (LH)
hormones released from the posterior lobe of the pituitary include:
oxytocin (the labor hormone) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
other important endocrine glands include:
thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and gonads (ovaries and testes)
the cortisol released from the adrenal cortex….
reduce inflammation, raises the blood sugar level and inhibits the release of histamine
