Endocrine System Functions Flashcards
What is the definition of an integrating system?
An organ system that coordinates activities between different areas of the body.
What does the endocrine system consist of?
All organs producing chemical messengers that reach their target cells by circulating in the blood.
What are the primary endocrine organs?
- Pineal gland
- Hypothalamus
- Thyroid gland
- Parathyroid glands
- Thymus
- Adrenal gland
- Pituitary gland
What are the secondary endocrine organs?
- Heart
- Stomach
- Kidney
- Small intestine
- Skin
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Testes (male)
- Ovaries (female)
- Placenta (not shown, pregnant female only)
What are endocrine cells?
Cells that secrete chemical messengers into interstitial fluid.
What are neurosecretory cells?
Cells similar to neurons that release neurohormones from axon terminals.
Where is the hypothalamus located?
At the base of the brain.
How is the pituitary gland connected to the hypothalamus?
By the infundibulum.
What hormones are produced by the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus?
- Oxytocin (supraoptic)
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (paraventricular)
What is the primary function of ADH?
To regulate reabsorption and blood volume in kidney tubule cells.
What is the role of oxytocin during childbirth?
To stimulate uterine contractions.
How do neurohormones from the hypothalamus reach the anterior pituitary?
Through a portal vein that connects the capillary networks.
What are the six hormones produced by the anterior pituitary?
- Prolactin
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
- Growth Hormone (GH)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
What is a tropic hormone?
A hormone that regulates other hormones.
What regulates the production of neurohormones and hormones in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland?
Negative feedback.
Fill in the blank: The hypothalamus produces 7 neurohormones that target cells in the _______.
anterior pituitary.
