The Endocrine System : Key Terms Flashcards
endocrine
pertaining to a ductless gland that secretes hormones into the blood
hormone
a secretion of an endocrine gland. A substance that travels in the blood and has regulatory effect on tissues , organs, or glands
hypophysis
the pituitary gland; named from hypo, meaning “below” , physis : “growing”. The gland develops below the hypothalamus
hypothalamus
a portion of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and is active in maintaining homeostasis
pancreatic duct
cluster of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secretes hormones to regulate glucose metabolism; also called islet of Langerhans or islet cells
parathyroid gland
a small endocrine gland on the posterior thyroid that acts to increase blood calcium levels ; there are usually 4-6 parathyroid glands
pineal gland
a small gland in the brain. Appears to regulate mood, daily rhythms, and sexual development in response to environmental light. Secretes hormone melatonin.
pituitary gland
a small endocrine gland at the base of the brain. The anterior lobe secretes growth hormone and hormones that stimulate other glands; the posterior lobe releases ADH and oxytocin manufactured in the hypothalamus
prostaglandins
a group of hormones produced throughout the body that have a variety of affects , including stimulation of uterine contractions and regulating of blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation.
receptor
a site on the cell membrane or within the cell to which a substance, such as a hormone, attaches
steroid hormone
a hormone made from lipids and including the sex hormones and the hormones of the adrenal cortex
target tissue
the specific tissue on which a hormone acts, may also be called the target organ
thyroid gland
an endocrine gland on either side of the larynx and upper trachea. It secretes hormones that affect metabolism and growth
adrenal gland
a gland on the superior surface of the kidney. The outer region (cortex) secretes hormones; the inner region (medulla) secretes epinephrine (adrenaline) in response to stress
acromegaly
overgrowth of bone and soft tissue, especially in the hands, feet, and face, caused by excess growth hormone in an adult. Acro: “extremity”; megal/o: “enlargement”
Addison disease
a disease resulting from deficiency of adrenocortical hormones. It is marked by darkening of the skin, weakness, and alterations in salt and water balance.
adenoma
a neoplasm of a gland
adult hypothyroidism
a condition caused by hypothyroidism in an adult. There is dry, waxy swelling, most notable in the face; formerly called myxedema
Cushing disease
overactivity of the adrenal cortex resulting from excess production of ACTH by the pituitary
Cushing syndrome
a condition resulting from an excess of hormones from the adrenal cortex. It is associated with obesity, weakness, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hirsutism (excess hair growth)
diabetes insipidus
a disorder caused by insufficient release of ADH from the posterior pituitary. It results in excessive thirst and production of large amounts of very dilute urine. Insipidus : “tasteless”, referring to the dilution of the urine
DM
Diabetes Mellitus: a disorder of glucose metabolism caused by deficiency of insulin production or inadequate tissue response to insulin. Type 1 results from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic islet cells; it generally appears in children and requires insulin administration. Type 2 generally occurs in obese adults; it is treated with diet, exercise, and drugs to improve insulin production or activity, and sometimes insulin. mellitus: honey - referring to urine’s sugar content
exophthalmos
protrusion of the eyeballs, as seen in Graves disease
gigantism
overgrowth caused by excess growth hormone form the pituitary during childhood, also called gigantism
glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test
a test that measures the binding of glucose to hemoglobin during the lifespan of a red blood cell. It reflects the average blood glucose level over 2-3 months and is useful in evaluating long term therapy for DM. Aka A1c test.
glycosuria
excess sugar in the urine
goiter
enlargement of the thyroid gland. May be toxic or nontoxic. Simple (nontoxic) goiter is caused by iodine deficiency
Graves disease
an autoimmune disease resulting in hyperthyroidism. A prominent sx is exophthalmos. Aka diffuse toxic goiter
hyperglycemia
excess glucose in the blood
hypoglycemia
abnormally low level of glucose in the blood
infantile hypothyroidism
a condition caused by congenital lack of thyroid secretion and marked by arrested physical and mental development; also called congenital hypothyroidism
insulin shock
a condition resulting from an overdose of insulin, causing hypoglycemia
ketoacidosis
acidosis (increased acidity of body fluids) caused by excess ketone bodies , as in DM; diabetic acidosis
metabolic syndrome
a state of hyperglycemia caused by cellular resistance to insulin, as seen in type 2 DM, in association with other metabolic disorders; also called syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome
panhypopituitarism
underactivity of the entire pituitary gland
tetany
irritability and spasms of muscles; may be caused by low blood calcium and other factors
