Endocrine System Flashcards
Principal endocrine glands
Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and gonads
Endocrine system
Regulates bodily activities with hormones produced by various glands
Pituitary gland (master gland)
Has a regulatory effect on several endocrine glands and is important in controlling a number of diverse bodily functions; divided into anterior and posterior lobes
Pituitary gland; posterior lobe
Produces the hormones vasopressin and oxytocin
Pituitary gland; anterior lobe
Produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin
Thyroid gland
Produces thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and calcitonin
Adrenal glands
Each gland consists of a medulla (inner portion) and cortex (outer portion) which are so distinct they’re in effect their own endocrine organs
Adrenal glands cortex
Produces mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and gonadocorticoids
Adrenal glands medulla
Produces epinephrine and norepinephrine
Pancreas
Produces insulin and glucagon; plays a role in producing digestive enzymes
Gonads
Produces testosterone and estrogen; promotes sex-specific physical characteristics and reproductive function
Parathyroid glands
Produces parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone)
Hormone released by the pituitary gland; acts on the kidneys to reduce urinary excretion of water
Oxytocin
Hormone released by pituitary gland; stimulates the smooth muscles of the reproductive organs and intestines
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
(gonadotropins)
Hormones released by the pituitary gland; stimulates gonads to secrete sex hormones called
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Hormone released by the pituitary gland; stimulates thyroid glands to secrete thyroid hormones
Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)
Hormone released by the pituitary gland; stimulates adrenal gland to secrete glucocorticoids
Growth hormone (GH)
Hormone released by the pituitary gland; stimulates general growth, skeletal growth, and promotes metabolic functions
Prolactin
Hormone released by the pituitary gland; initiates and maintains breast-milk secretion
Thyroxine and triiodothyronine
Hormones released by the thyroid gland; increases oxygen consumption and heat production, and affects many metabolic functions
Calcitonin
Hormone released by the thyroid gland; decreases blood calcium and phosphate levels by accelerating the absorption of calcium by the bones
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Hormone released by the parathyroid; raises plasma calcium levels and lowers plasma phosphate levels
Epinephrine (adrenaline)
Hormone released by the adrenal gland; prepares the body for emergencies and stress by elevating blood glucose levels, increasing the rate, force, and amplitude of the heartbeat, and dilating the blood vessels feeding the heart, lungs, and skeletal muscles
Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
Hormone released by the adrenal gland; prepares the body for emergencies and stress by increasing the heart rate and force of contractions of the cardiac muscles
Mineralocorticoids
Hormone released by the adrenal gland; promotes reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium in the kidneys
Glucocorticoids
Hormone released by adrenal gland; aids in the utilization of glucose and mobilization of fatty acids
Gonadcorticoids
Hormone released by the adrenal gland; includes testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone
Insulin
Hormone released by the pancreas; acts to facilitate the uptake and utilization of glucose by cells, prevents the breakdown of glycogen in the liver and muscles, and plays a role in lipid and protein metabolism as it favors lipid formation and storage well facilitating the movement of amino acids into cells
Glucagon
Hormone released by the pancreas; generally opposes the actions of insulin by decreasing glucose oxidation and increasing the blood sugar level (hyperglycemia)
Testosterone
Hormone released by the gonads; male sex hormone that initiates sperm production, stimulate the development of male secondary sex characteristics, and promote tissue building
Estrogen
Hormone released by the gonads; female sex hormone that regulates ovulation, menstruation, physiological adjustments during pregnancy, and the appearance of female secondary sex characteristics
