Structures of the Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the role of the hypothalamus and where is it located?
located in the brain, it has many functions such as regulating heart rate, blood pressure, body temp, fluid balance, appetite, sleep cycle, and sex drive
What is also known as the “master gland”?
the pituitary gland
What role does the pituitary gland play in the endocrine system?
it secretes hormones that control the activity of other endocrine glands
What hormones are located in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland?
adrenocorticotropic, follicle-stimulating, growth, luteinizing, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating, and melanocyte stimulating
What hormones are located in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland?
ADH and oxytocin
What is the function of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)?
stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones
What is the function of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?
ensures normal functioning of ovaries and testes
What is the function of the growth hormone (GH)?
aids the growth of healthy bone and muscle mass
What is the function of the luteinizing hormone (LH)?
works with FSH to ensure normal functioning of ovaries and testes
What is the function of prolactin?
stimulates production of breast milk after childbirth
What is the function of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?
stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones
What is the function of the melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)?
increases the production of melanin, causing darkening of the skin pigment
What is the function of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
helps control blood pressure by prompting the kidneys to reduce the amount of water excreted
What is the function of oxytocin?
contracts the uterus during childbirth and stimulates breast milk production
Where are the parathyroid glands and what is their purpose?
they are in the neck next to the thyroid gland, they secrete parathyroid hormone to regulate the calcium level in our bodies
Where is the thyroid gland located?
in front of the trachea, with two lobes, one on each side which are attached by the isthmus
What is the thyroid’s main role
to regulate the body’s metabolism
What is metabolism?
it describes all the processes involved in the body’s use of nutrients, including the rate at which they are used
This gland derives its name from its pinecone-like shape
the pineal gland
What does the pineal gland do?
secretes melatonin to help control the body’s circadian rhythm
Where is the pineal gland located?
near the center of the brain
Where is the thymus gland located?
behind the sternum and between the lungs
What does the thymus gland do?
it secretes thymosin that helps the body form T cells and an immune system before birth and during childhood
What gland is only functioning until the body hits puberty?
the thymus gland
Where are the adrenal glands located?
on top of the kidneys
What is the primary function of the adrenal glands?
to control electrolyte levels within the body
What are electrolytes?
minerals in the body that carry the electrical energy for the proper functioning of the digestive, nervous, cardiac, and muscular systems
What are the two structures of the adrenal glands?
the adrenal cortex which is the outer part, and the inner portion which is the adrenal medulla
What hormones are located in the adrenal cortex?
cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens
What is the fuction of cortisol?
helps regulate metabolism and also has anti-inflammatory action
What is the function of aldosterone?
keeps the electrolyte balance within normal limits
What is the function of androgens?
releases small amounts of male and female sex hormones
What hormones are located in the adrenal medulla?
epinephrine and norepinephrine
What is the function of epinephrine (adrenaline)
helps you deal with physical and emotional stress
What is the function of norepinephrine?
works with epinephrine to respond to stress
What organ belongs to the endocrine and digestive system?
the pancreas
Where is the pancreas located?
behind the stomach
What is the endocrine function of the pancreas?
to control the blood glucose levels and glucose metabolism throughout the body
What hormones are secreted through the pancreas?
insulin and glucagon
What is the function of insulin?
moves glucose from your blood into the cells for energy
What is the function of glucagon?
stimulates the liver to convert glycogen into glucose for release into the bloodstream
What is a gamete?
a reproductive cell, the ovum in females and sperm in males
What are the two sex hormones produced and released by the ovaries?
progesterone and estrogen
What is the function of estrogen?
it helps in the development and maintenance of a female’s secondary sex characteristics and helps regulate the menstrual cycle
What is the function of progesterone?
it is released during the second half of the menstrual cycle to prepare the uterus for possible pregnancy
What sex hormone is secreted by the testes?
testosterone
What is the function of testosterone?
it stimulates the development of a male’s secondary sex characteristics
What does it mean to have Type 1 diabetes mellitus?
the body doesnt produce any insulin to handle the glucose in the body, which leads to high blood sugar that can damage the body
How is type 1 diabetes managed?
the patient needs to take prescribed insulin to help their body use the glucose appropriately
What is the more common type of diabetes?
type 2
What does it mean to have type 2 diabetes?
the body may be producing insulin but it isn’t using it correctly, or the body might not produce enough insulin for all of the glucose
What is the cause of type 1 diabetes?
cause in unknown, but genes can play a factor
What is the cause of type 2 diabetes?
genes can play a role, but lifestyle choices can influence as well
How is type 2 diabetes managed?
by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating well and possible use of medication
What kind of complications can occur over time in a patient with diabetes mellitus?
neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease
