Endocrine System Flashcards
(32 cards)
functions of the endocrine system
-produce hormones that work together to maintain homeostasis
-hormones are the chemical messengers that are secreted by the endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream in order for the messengers to reach the cells and organs in the body
homeostasis
process in which the body maintains a constant internal environment
how many major glands in the endocrine system
13
what are the major glands that make up the endocrine system?
pituitary gland
pineal gland
thryoid gland
parathyroid gland -4x
thymus
pancreas
adrenal gland - 2x
gonads -2x
pituitary gland
pea-sized gland that is divided into 2 parts:
-pea-sized gland that is divided into 2 parts: anterior and posterior lobe
-secretes hormones that control the activity of other endocrine glands
pineal gland
very small endocrine gland located in the central portion of the brain
-secretions influence the sleep-wakefulness cycle including the hormone melatonin
thyroid gland
butterfly-shaped gland that lies on either side of the larynx just below the thyroid cartilage
-primary function is to regulate the body’s metabolism
parathyroid gland
the size of a grain of rice and embedded in the posterior of the thyroid gland
-regulates calcium levels throughout the body
adrenal gland
located with one on top of each kidney
-controls electrolyte levels in the body
gonads
gamete-producing glands
secrete hormones responsible for development of sex characteristics that develop during puberty
adrenocorticotropic hormone
stimulates the growth and secretions of the adrenal cortex
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
stimulates the secretion of estrogen and the growth of ova in ovaries of the female and production of sperm in male
growth hormone/somatotropic hormone
regulates the growth of bone, muscle and other body tissues
interstitial cell-stimulating hormone
stimulates ovulation in the female and the secretion of testosterone in the male
lactogenic hormone/prolactin
stimulates and maintains the secretion of breast milk in the mother after childbirth
luteinizing hormone
stimulates ovulation in the female and the secretion of testosterone in the male
melanocyte-stimulating hormone
increases the production of melanin in melanocytes, thereby causing the darkening of skin pigmentation
thyroid-stimulating hormone
stimulates the secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland
antidiuretic hormone
secreted by the hypothalamus and stored and released in the pituitary gland, helps control blood pressure by reducing the amount of water that is excreted through the kidneys
oxytocin
stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth
after childbirth, it controls postnatal hemorrhage and stimulates the flow of milk from the mammary glands
melatonin
influences the sleep-wakefulness portions of the circadian cycle
circadian cycle
refers to the biological functions that occur within a 24 hour period
thyroxine and triiodothyronine
the two primary thyroid hormones that regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other body systems
calcitonin
produced by the thyroid gland and works with the parathyroid hormone to decrease calcium levels in the blood and tissues by moving calcium into storage in the bones and teeth