Module 7 Flashcards
Endocrine
Cells of these glands secrete hormones directly into the interstitial fluid surrounding the secretory cells, the hormones are then picked up by blood capillaries
Exocrine
Glands that secrete cell products into a duct system
Hormones
Act as chemical messengers, traveling through the blood circulation to cause an effect on a target
Pituitary Gland
small gland at the base of the brain that extends from the hypothalamus. It is known as the master gland as it produces and releases hormones that control all endocrine glands
Thyroid Gland
Sits anterior to the trachea and produces thyroid hormones for regulating metabolism
Parathyroid Gland
Small glands situated on the back of the thyroid gland, they are paired, two superior and two inferior. They are involved in maintaining calcium homeostasis
Adernal Glands
They are on top of the kidneys. There are two parts the cortex and the medulla. They have important roles in the production of corticosteroids and maintence of fluid balance.
Corticosteroids
Steroid hormones produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland that are responsible for glucose metabolism, sex characteristics and electrolyte balance of body fluids
Pituitary Gland
It is known as the master gland because it releases hormones that control all other endocrine glands
Where is the Pituitary Gland Located?
Inferior to the hypothalamus and sits on a concavity of the sphenoid bone in the middle of the skull
What Systems Does the Pituitary Gland Communicate With?
Physical contact between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland allows for communication between the nervous and endocrine system
Lobes of the Pituitary Gland
It has two lobes: anterior (adenohypophysis) and posterior (neurohypophysis)
Anterior Lobe (Adenohypophysis)
Composed of glandular (andeno) secretory cells that produce and release 7 stimulating hormones
Seven Stimulating Hormones of the Anterior Lobe
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Prolactin (PRL)
- Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)
- Growth Hormones (GH)
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH released from the anterior pituitary acts on the thyroid gland, causing it to release thyroid hormones
Prolactin (PRL)
Includes mammary glands of the breast to produce milk
Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)
Released by the anterior pituitary gland acts on adrenal glands causing them to release their hormones
Growth Hormones (GH)
Stimulates growth in all cells
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
FSH and LH both act on the gonads: they stimulate secretion of estrogen and progesterone, and maturation of oocytes in the ovaries, and they stimulate secretion of testosterone and sperm production in the testes
Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)
Stimulates melanocytes in the skin to produce pigment
Posterior Lobe (Neurohypophysis)
The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is also known as the neurohypophysis because it is made up of nervous tissue.
It only releases two hormones. These hormones are produced in the hypothalamus
Hormones Released by the Posterior Lobe
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Promotes reabsorption of water at the kidneys
Oxytocin
Promotes uterine contractions during childbirth and also plays a role in breastfeeding