Endocrine System Flashcards
Region of the forebrain that coordinates the autonomic nervous system and governs the endocrine system via the pituitary gland; it directs maintenance activities for homeostasis including hunger, thirst, body temperature regulation, sleep and emotional responses.
Hypothalamus
Gland that secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestines for macronutrient breakdown; also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon for blood glucose regulation.
Pancreas
Positive, desirable form of stress.
Eustress
Negative form of stress
Distress
Cholesterol-based compounds that serve various functions related, but not limited to: sexual development, reproduction, tissue synthesis, inflammation regulation and metabolism (e.g., cortisol, estrogen, testosterone).
a. Steroid hormones
b. Polypeptide hormones
c. anabolic hormones
d. growth hormones
Steroids Hormones
Chains of amino acids synthesized within endocrine cells that attach to membrane receptors on cells to activate secondary messenger systems (e.g., insulin and glucagon).
a. Steroid Hormones
b. Anabolic hormones
c. Polypeptide hormones
d. growth hormones
Polypeptide hormones
Compounds involved in stimulating protein synthesis and tissue growth (e.g., muscle, organs, connective tissue).
a. Steroid hormones
b. anabolic hormones
c. polypeptide hormones
d. growth hormones
Anabolic hormones
Promotes cell division and proliferation by facilitating protein synthesis; it protects glycogen reserves and limits carbohydrate metabolism by mobilizing lipids for fuel during exercise and also plays a role in recovery.
a. steroid hormones
b. anabolic hormones
c. polypeptide hormones
d. growth hormones
Growth Hormones
Anabolic hormone produced in men and women that stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., facial hair) and acts on gene expression for protein synthesis; men possess 10x the quantity of women.
Testosterone
Steroid hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of female secondary characteristics (e.g., breast tissue) and is integral to bone maintenance in men and women; men convert testosterone into a form of estrogen (estradiol).
Estrogen
Abnormally high blood glucose level which can potentially damage bodily tissues, including vascular structures (diabetes).
Hyperglycemia
Low blood sugar level that occurs when blood glucose concentrations drop below a critical level; the metabolic demands of the brain and central nervous system cannot be met.
Hypoglycemia
Functions to regulate blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver to release free glucose into circulation to increase levels.
Glucagon
Regulates blood glucose control and tissue growth, allows blood glucose to be pulled from the bloodstream into tissues based on need; dysfunction is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes.
Insulin
Gland which serves as the primary regulator for growth and the rate of metabolism within the body; function is important for normal child development and lean mass maintenance.
Thyroid
Individuals suffering from “slow metabolism” may be actually experiencing…
Hypothyroidism
Abnormally low activity of the thyroid which usually results in weight gain and can retard growth as well as mental development.
Hypothyroidism
Regulates numerous metabolic/cardiovascular functions and helps manage blood pressure; it is released in response to exercise stress and low blood glucose concentrations; a chronic elevation in cortisol is associated with overtraining.
Cortisol
Secreted by the adrenal glands during conditions of stress to increase blood circulation, ventilation, and carbohydrate metabolism to prepare muscles for exertion (a.k.a. adrenaline).
Epinephrine
Secreted from the adrenal glands in response to stress by increasing blood pressure and blood glucose levels; has an affinity for different tissue receptors than epinephrine but facilitates similar responses.
norepinephrine
Potent neurotransmitters that help the body respond to stress or elicit fight-or-flight responses (e.g., dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine).
Catecholamines
