Endocrinology (Pt. 2) Flashcards
Gland
A group of cells that work together to produce and secrete substances such as hormones.
Where is the adrenal gland located and what’s its consistancy?
Each of two adrenal glands sits on top of a kidney; divided into outer adrenal cortex and inner adrenal medulla.
Andrenal Cortex
Secretes…
- Aldosterone: regulates sodium levels in the body
- Cortisol: regulates carbohydrate metabolism
- Estrogen/Testosterone: sex hormones
Adrenal Medulla
Secretes epinephrine (also called adrenaline) to help body respond to emergency situations.
What does the the combining form glyc/o usually refer to?
Even though this combining form means sugar it usually refers to glucose, primary sugar used by body for energy production.
Ovaries
A pair of almond-shaped organs in female pelvic cavity; release ova for reproduction and female sex hormones such as estrogen to regulate menstrual cycle.
Testes
Pair of oval-shaped glands located in scrotum of males; releases sperm for reproduction and male sex hormone testosterone.
Pancreas
Located in the abdominal cavity along lower curvature of stomach; secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.
Insulin
Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by allowing sugar to enter individual cells.
Glucagon
Raises blood sugar by stimulating liver to release stored sugar back into the bloodstream.
Parathyroid Glands
Four small glands located on posterior surface of thyroid glands; secretes parathyroid hormone to raise blood levels of calcium.
Pineal Gland
A small pine cone-shaped gland in thalamus region of brain; secretes melatonin, which plays a role in regulating body’s circadian rhythms (24-hour clock).
Pituitary Gland
A small marble-shaped gland that hangs down from underside of brain; often referred to as master gland because some of its hormones regulate other endocrine glands; divded into anterior lobe and posterior lobe.
Anterior Pituitary Lobe
Secretes…
- Growth hormone - stimulates body to grow larger
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone - regulates activity of thyroid gland
- Adrenocorticotropin Hormone - regulates activity of adrenal cortex.
- Prolactin - stimulates milk production by breast
- Melanocyte-Stimulating Hrormone - stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone - work together to regulate activity of ovary or testes.
Posterior Pituitary Lobe
Secretes…
- Antidiuretic Hormone - regulates volume of water in body
- Oxytocin - stimulates uterine contractions during labor and birth
Thymus Gland
Located in the mediastinum of chest behind sternum and above heart; secretes thymosin, which is important for immune system’s development.
Thyroid Gland
Located in neck; has two lobes on either side of trachea; secretes thyroxine and tiiodothyronine, which regulate body’s metabolic rate; also secretes calcitonin to lower blood calcium levels.
Acromegaly
Chronic condition developing in adults with excessive growth hormone; results in elongation and enlargement of bones of head and extremities.
Adrenal Feminization
Development of female secondary sexual characteristics (such as breasts) in a male as a result of increased estrogen secretion by adrenal cortex.
Adrenal Virilism
Development of male secondary sexual characteristics (such as deeper voice and facial hair) in female as result of increased androgen secretion by adrenal cortex.
Blood Serum Test
Blood test to measure level of substances as hormones in bloodstream; used to study function of endocrine glands.
Corticosteroids
In addition to its normal function, these hormones secreted by adrenal cortex also have strong anti-inflammatory action; can be used to treat severe chronic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Cretinism
Congenital condition causing lack of thyroid hormones; results in poor physical and mental development.
Cushing Syndrome
Condition resulting from hypersecretion of adrenal cortex; can be product of adrenal gland tumor; symptoms include weakness, edema, excess hair growth, skin discoloration, and osteoporosis.
