Endocrine System Flashcards
Ability of the body to maintain a state of equilibrium within its internal environment, regardless of changing conditions in the outside environment
hō-mē-ō-STĀ-sĭs
home/o-: same, alike
-stasis: standing still
Chemical substance produced by specialized cells of the body; it works slowly and affects many different processes
hormones
growth and development, sexual function, mood, metabolism and tissue function
George and Dave sell fruit most mondays till five!!!!
process affected by hormones
Sum of all chemical and physical processes occurring within living cells
metabolism
the branch of medicine concerned with diagnosis and treatment of hormone imbalances and diseases that affect the endocrine glands
endocrinology
- diabetes
- thyroid diseases
- metabolic disorders
- overproduction or underproduction of hormones
- menopause
- osteoporosis
- hypertension
- cholesterol (lipid) disorders
- infertility
- lack of growth (short stature)
- cancers of the endocrine glands
endocrine disorders
these doctors conduct basic research to learn the ways glands work and clinical research to learn the best methods to treat patients with a hormone imbalance
Endocrinologists
Explain how the endocrine system works?
The endocrine system consists of a network of ductless glands with a rich blood supply that enables the hormones (chemical substances) they produce to enter the bloodstream
Ductless gland ——–»»> hormones ———–»> enter the
with rich blood (chemical substances) bloodstream
a visual of the endocrine system
- small area of the brain that helps to stimulate key functions
- acts as your body’s smart control coordinating center
- main function is to keep your body in a stable state called homeostasis
hypothalamus
- a gland shaped like a pine nut, located in the brain
- part of the endocrine system
- secretes melatonin to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm
pineal gland
This gland releases hormones into the bloodstream to control your metabolism, which is the primary way your body uses energy
Thyroid gland
This gland also helps with processes like bone growth, brain development, heart rate, digestion, muscle functioning, body temperature and menstrual cycle
Thyroid gland
thyroid/o
two pairs of small, oval-shaped glands, located next to the two thyroid gland lobes in the neck, each gland is usually about the size of a pea
parathyroid gland
The parathyroid hormone stimulates the following functions:
Release of calcium by bones into the bloodstream
Absorption of calcium from food by the intestines
Conservation of calcium by the kidneys
Stimulates cells in the kidney to transforms weaker forms of vitamin D into the form that is strongest at absorbing calcium from the intestines
parathyroid glands
parathyroid/o
a gland located behind the breastbone and between the lungs, plays an important role in developing the immune system. This small organ makes white blood cells, called T-cells, and plays a huge part in training your body to fight infections and cancer cells
thymus gland
thym/o
glands located on top of the kidneys, they produce many important hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline. They help regulate several bodily functions including metabolism, blood pressure and your body’s response to stress.
adrenal glands
adren/o, adrenal/o
a large, tadpole-shaped gland situated deep in your belly. It plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation
Pancreas
pancreat/o
part of the endocrine and digestive system
produce eggs and hormones for menstruation and pregnancy, found on either side of the uterus.
ovaries
ovari/o, oophar/o
two egg-shaped sex organs that play an important role in the male reproductive system. They are where sperm cells are produced and are also responsible for the production of the sex hormone testosterone.
testes
orch/o, orchi/o, orchid/o
a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of your brain below your hypothalamus. It sits in its own little chamber under your brain known as the sella turcica. It’s a part of your endocrine system and is in charge of making several essential hormones.
Pituitary gland (hypophysis)
pituit/o
