The Endocrine System Flashcards
Hypothalamus
region of the forebrain that coordinates the autonomic nervous system and governs the endocrine system via the pituitary gland; it directs maintenance activities for homeostasis including hunger, thirst, body temperature regulation, sleep and emotional responses
Endocrine system
Complex network of integrated organs that communicate directives to help regulate all other body systems and maintain homeostasis
Pancreas
gland that secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestines for macronutrient breakdown; also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon for blood glucose regulation
Eustress
positive, desirable form of stress that influences physiological/psychological health; sources can include exercise or working towards obtainable goals within one’s occupation
Distress
negative form of stress that influences physiological/psychological health; can be caused by excessive stress or forms which fail to improve well-being, such as anxiety or lack of sleep
Steroid hormones
cholesterol-based compounds that serve various functions related, but not limited to: sexual development, reproduction, tissue synthesis, inflammation regulation and metabolism (e.g., cortisol, estrogen, testosterone)
Polypeptide hormones
chains of amino acids synthesized within endocrine cells that attach to membrane receptors on cells to activate secondary messenger systems (e.g., insulin and glucagon)
Pituitary gland
regulates anabolic hormones, such as growth hormone, as well as other communicators in conjunction with the hypothalamus
Anabolic hormones
compounds involved in stimulating protein synthesis and tissue growth (e.g., muscle, organs, connective tissue)
[help with growth and repairing muscle tissue]
Growth hormones
promotes cell division and proliferation by facilitating protein synthesis; it protects glycogen reserves and limits carbohydrate metabolism by mobilizing lipids for fuel during exercise and also plays a role in recovery
Heavy weightlifting and other forms of intense exercise expedites?
the release of growth hormone which functions as a stimulator of insulin-like growth factor-1 activity and release from the liver
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1):
considered to be a central signaling hormone for the promotion of muscle growth following resistance training (hypertrophy promoter
Testosterone
anabolic hormone produced in men and women that stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., facial hair) and acts on gene expression for protein synthesis; men possess 10x the quantity of women
Estrogen
steroid hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of female secondary characteristics (e.g., breast tissue) and is integral to bone maintenance in men and women; men convert testosterone into a form of estrogen (estradiol)
Carbohydrates are metabolized into
glucose to maintain blood sugar levels; pancreatic hormones regulate this level to limit hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
Hyperglycemia
abnormally high blood glucose level which can potentially damage bodily tissues, including vascular structures (diabetes
Hypoglycemia
low blood sugar level that occurs when blood glucose concentrations drop below a critical level; the metabolic demands of the brain and central nervous system cannot be met
Glucagon
functions to regulate blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver to release free glucose into circulation to increase levels
Insulin
regulates blood glucose control and tissue growth, allows blood glucose to be pulled from the bloodstream into tissues based on need; dysfunction is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes
Thyroid
gland which serves as the primary regulator for growth and the rate of metabolism within the body; function is important for normal child development and lean mass maintenance
Individuals suffering from “slow metabolism” may be actually experiencing
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
abnormally low activity of the thyroid which usually results in weight gain and can retard growth as well as mental development
Adrenal glands
located above the kidneys and release hormones from two separate sections, the adrenal cortex and medulla, which regulate responses to stress and exercise
Major adrenal hormones include
cortisol as well as epinephrine and norepinephrine (the catecholamines)
Cortisol
regulates numerous metabolic/cardiovascular functions and helps manage blood pressure; it is released in response to exercise stress and low blood glucose concentrations; a chronic elevation in cortisol is associated with overtraining
Epinephrine
secreted by the adrenal glands during conditions of stress to increase blood circulation, ventilation, and carbohydrate metabolism to prepare muscles for exertion (a.k.a. adrenaline)
Norepinephrine
secreted from the adrenal glands in response to stress by increasing blood pressure and blood glucose levels; has an affinity for different tissue receptors than epinephrine but facilitates similar responses
Catecholamines
potent neurotransmitters that help the body respond to stress or elicit fight-or-flight responses (e.g., dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine
Fight or flight response
acute increase in adrenal hormone activity which expedites enhancements in cardiac output, blood flow, and energy metabolism to rapidly deal with a perceived stress/threat
Staple of pre-diabetic programs
Resistance training
