Endocrine System Flashcards
What are the primary endocrine glands in the body?
Hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testes.
What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?
Endocrine glands release hormone directly into the blood stream.
Exocrine glands release substances (eg. Sweat, enzymes) into ducts.
Where is the pituitary gland located, and what are its two main parts?
The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, in the sella turicia. It’s two main parts are the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis).
What are the major hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary?
Growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotrpic hormone ((ACTH), prolactin (PRL), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
What are the two hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary, and their functions?
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): regulates water balance by increasing water re-absorption in the kidneys.
Oxytocin: stimulates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding.
What is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and its function?
Thyroxine (T4) and tiodothyronine (T3) regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
How does negative feedback regulate hormone levels?
Negative feedback occurs when the hormones affects reduce its own production. For example high levels of T3/T4 inhibit TSH release from the pituitary.
What is the role of the hyperthalamus in endocrine function?
The hypothamus regulates the pituitary gland by secreting, releasing, and inhibiting hormones integrating, the nervous and endocrine systems
What is hyperthyroidism, and what are common symptoms?
Hyperthyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland causing fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and bradycardia.
What is diabetes mellitus and what are the two main types?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition of impaired glucose regulation.
Type 1: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Type 2: insulin resistance and/or decreased insulin production.
What are the two parts of the adrenal gland and the hormones they produce?
Adrenal cortex: Produces cortisol (stress response), aldosterone (water/salt balance), and androgens.
Adrenal medulla: Produces epinephrine and norepinephrine (fight or flight).
What is Addisons disease?
Addisons disease is adrenal insufficiency, causing low cortisol and aldosterone levels, leading to fatigue, weight loss, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation.
What are the endocrine cells of the pancreas and their function?
Alpha cells: Secrete glucagon, raising blood glucose levels.
Beta cells: Secrete insulin, lowering blood glucose levels.
What is the difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia?
Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood glucose levels, often seen in diabetes.
Hypoglycaemia: Low blood glucose levels, causing symptoms like confusion, sweating, and tremors.
What are the primary hormones involved in the female reproductive system?
Estrogen, progesterone, and lutienizing hormone (LH), which regulate the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and pregnancy.
