The Endocrine System Flashcards
alpha cells
In pancreas; Secretes glucagon
Beta cells
In pancreas; secretes insulin
Delta cells
In pancreas; secretes somatostatin
Hypoglycemia
Caused by excess insulin and characterized by low blood glucose concentration
Diabetes mellitus
Caused by underproduction, insufficient secretion, or insensitivity to insulin; characterized by hyperglycemia (excess glucose in blood).
Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus
Caused by autoimmune destruction of the Beta-cells of the pancreas, resulting in low or absent insulin production
Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus
The result of receptor-level resistance to effects of insulin.
Partially inherited and due to environmental factors.
Somatostatin
An inhibitor of both insulin and glucagon secretion.
Also produced by hypothalamus –> decreases growth hormone secretion
What stimulates somatostatin production
High blood glucose and amino acids concentrations
Where is erythropoietin produced and what does it do
Produced in kidneys
Stimulates bone marrow to increase production of erythrocytes (red blood cells).
Secreted in response to low O2 levels in blood
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
Released by heart
Promotes excretion of sodium and therefore increases urine volume: functionally antagonistic to aldosterone
When cells in atria are stretched from excess blood volume, they release ANP
Thymosin
Released by thymus, directly behind sternum, and is important for proper T-cell development and differentiation.
Thymus atrophies by adulthood
