Endocrine System Flashcards
consists of receptors and glands that produce hormones
The endocrine system
secreted throughout the bloodstream to the major organs of the human body and are involved in regulating the body’s heart rate, sexual development, digestion, and cellular metabolism, in addition to many other things.
Hormones
links the nervous system to the endocrine system.
Hypothalamus
located in the brain and is considered to be the master gland of the endocrine system and coordinates all of the system’s activities.
Pituitary gland
located in the neck and consists of a right and left lobe. It uses iodine from the foods you eat to produce the Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) hormones. The thyroid aids in proper digestion of food, and maintains proper heart rate and blood pressure.
Thyroid gland
a small gland located in the brain, produces melatonin and contains lymphatic tissue. Some functions of this organ aren’t fully understood; however, this gland aids in regulating sleep patterns.
Pineal gland
located above the kidney, consists of the adrenal cortex (outer capsule) and adrenal medulla (inner capsule). secretes steroids and produces adrenaline. Functions of this gland include proper regulation of the body’s metabolism, immune system, sexual function, and the body’s ability to cope with physical and emotional stress.
Adrenal gland
located in the neck, is the smallest endocrine gland. consists of four glands that regulate the blood’s calcium and bone metabolism.
Parathyroid gland
produces T-cells that help in fighting infection. Located in the mediastinum, it is very large in infants but shrinks as adults age. T-cells generated by this gland assist in the proper growth of other organs within the immune system.
Thymus
comprise testes in males and ovaries in females.
Sex glands
located in the scrotum, are responsible for male secondary sex characteristics. produces sperm, which help aid in fertilization of the female ovum (egg).
Testes or testicles
located on both sides of the uterus, are responsible for the development and maintenance of female sex characteristics. produces estrogen and progesterone and are vital to normal reproductive development and fertility
Ovaries
The endocrine and nervous system work together to help control the body’s
Functions
posterior pituitary gland is made up of
Nervous tissue
The pituitary gland is composed of an
anterior and a posterior gland.
One of the pituitary gland’s responsibilities, as it relates to the functioning of the thyroid gland, is to release the
thyroid-stimulating gland (TSH)
thyroid-stimulating gland (TSH) functions to
assist in stimulating thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
In addition to secreting TSH, the pituitary also aids in secreting
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), human growth hormone (HGH), and prolactin (PRL).
Oxytocin and (ADH) antidiuretic hormone is stored and secreted by the
Posterior gland
Oxytocin is responsible for
uterine contractions and secretion of breast milk in new mothers.
ADH) antidiuretic hormone helps to prevent water loss by
restricting blood flow to the sweat glands.
Largest internal organ of the human body; located on the right side of the stomach
Has many functions, but the main one is to filter blood coming from the digestive tract before it goes to the rest of the body
Produces bile
Liver
Located in the middle of the pelvis in front of the rectum and behind the bladder
Vital organ for female reproduction and operates as a temporary storage for fetus
Uterine lining (endometrium) is nourished by the hormone progesterone; prepares the body for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining
Uterus
Largest external organ of the human body
Vital functions include protection of vital organs and regulation of body temperature through dilation of blood vessels or perspiration and the maintenance of water and electrolyte balance
Endocrine functions include the synthesis of Vitamin D, which is absorbed by the sun
Skin
Muscular organ located in the left upper region of the abdominal cavity
Consists of the cardia, body, fundus, and pylorus
Secretes the hormone gastrin, which stimulates the release of hydrochloric acid that ultimately assists in the proper digestion of food
Stomach
Two bean-shaped organs located beneath the ribcage
Ensures proper facilitation of toxins out of the bloodstream through the excretion of urine
Vital hormones through this organ control overall fluid balance, regulate blood pressure, promote healthy bone health, and production of red blood cells.
Kidneys
Secretes insulin and glucagon
Located behind the stomach
Hormones work together to regulate the level of glucose or sugar in the blood.
Pancreas
