Endocrine System Various Terms

Question 0

endocrine glands

Answer 0

secrete hormones directly into the blood stream rather than through a duct

Question 1

target

Answer 1

target cell upon which a hormone acts. programmed with receptors to respond to a unique hormone. hormones act only on a specific target

Question 2

hypophysis

Answer 2

pituitary gland (“master gland”)

• located at base of brain
• stimulated other glands to secrete their own hormones

Question 3

adenohypophysis

Answer 3

anterior lobe of pituitary gland

• triggered by hypothalamus
• produces at least six hormones

Question 4

neurohypophysis

Answer 4

posterior lobe of pituitary gland

-secretes two hormones produced by hypothalamus: oxytocin and ADH

Question 5

Thyroid gland

Answer 5

major metabolic hormone (thyroid hormone)
largest gland of endocrine system
TH is two active iodine containing hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)

Question 6

parathyroid glands

Answer 6

at least four separate glands located on posterior surface of thyroid gland.
secrets PTH
regulates calcium balance
acts on bones, kidneys, and intestines

Question 7

adrenal glands

Answer 7

paired organs covering superior surface of kidneys (also called suprarenal glands)
two distinct regions: adrenal cortex and adrenal medualla

Question 8

adrenal cortex

Answer 8

outer part of adrenal gland
secretes 3 steroid hormones: mineralocorticoids (mainly aldosterone, which causes kidneys to conserve sodium, thus reducing urine output and conserving water); glucocorticoids (mainly cortisol, which regulates blood glucose levels, stimulates the breakdown of fats in adipose tissue, and releases fatty acids into the blood); Sex hormones including androgens, estrogens, and progestins

Question 9

adrenal medulla

Answer 9

secrets epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) which are activated when the body responds to crisis situations (sympathomimetic). these hormones intensify activities set into motion by the sympathetic nervous system

Question 10

antagonistic

Answer 10

acting in opposition; mutually opposing

Question 11

electrolytes

Answer 11

mineral salts (sodium, potassium, and calcium) that carry an electrical charge

Question 12

glucagon

Answer 12

hormone produced by pancreatic alpha cells that increases the blood glucose level by stimulating the liver to change stored glycogen (a starch from sugar) to glucose.
glucagon opposes insulin and is used to reverse hypoglycemic reactions in insulin shock

Question 13

glucose

Answer 13

simple sugar that is the end product of carbohydrate digestion (primary source of energy for living organisms)

Question 14

homeostasis

Answer 14

relative constancy or balance in the internal environment of the body, maintained by processes of feedback and adjustment in response to external or internal changes.

Question 15

insulin

Answer 15

hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells that acts to remove sugar (glucose) from the blood by promoting its storage in tissues as carbohydrates (glycogen)

Question 16

sympathomimetic

Answer 16

agent that mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system (exa: epinephrine and norepinephrine)

Question 17

target

Answer 17

structure, organ, or tissue to which something is directed. In the endocrine system, a target is the structure, organ or tissue on which a hormone exerts its specific effect.

Question 18

glycogenolysis

Answer 18

conversion of stored glycogen to glucose in the liver

Question 19

tetany

Answer 19

muscle twitches and spasms

may be caused by hypocalcemia resulting from hypoparathyroidism

Question 20

osteitis fibrosa cystica

Answer 20

demineralization of bones; may result from hyperparathyroidism

Question 21

von Recklinghausen disease

Answer 21

a generalized disease caused from hyperparathyroidism; involves demineralization affecting all bones and deposition of calcium in the kidneys