The Endocrine System Terms Flashcards
Adrenal Cortex
Outer portion of adrenal glands; secretes several families of hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and steroid sex hormones
Adrenal Glands
Pair of glands in endocrine system located just above each kidney; glands are composed of two sections, cortex and medulla, that function independently of each other; cortex secretes steroids, such as aldosterone, cortisol, androgens, estrogens, and progestins; medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine; adrenal glands are regulated by adrenocorticotropin hormone, which is secreted by pituitary gland
Adrenaline
Hormone produced by adrenal medulla; also known as ‘epinephrine’; some of its actions include increasing heart rate and force of contraction, bronchodilation, and relation of intestinal muscles
Adrenal Medulla
Inner portion of adrenal gland; secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Hormone secreted by anterior pituitary; regulates function of adrenal gland cortex
Aldosterone
Hormone produced by adrenal cortex; regulates levels of sodium and potassium in body and as a side effect volume of water lost in urine
Androgen
Class of steroid hormones secreted by adrenal cortex; these hormones, such as testosterone, produce a masculinizing effect
Anterior Lobe
Anterior portion of pituitary gland; secretes adrenocorticotropin hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, melanocyte-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Hormone secreted by posterior pituitary; promotes water reabsorption by kidney tubules
Calcitonin (CT)
Hormone secreted by thyroid gland; stimulates deposition of calcium into bone
Calcium (Ca[+])
Inorganic substance found in plasma; is important for bones, muscles, and nerves
Circadian Rhythm
24-hour clock that governs our periods of wakefulness and sleepiness
Corticosteroids
General term for group of hormones secreted by adrenal cortex; they include mineralocorticoid hormones, glucocorticoid hormones, and steroid sex hormones; used as medication for its strong anti-inflammatory properties
Cortisol
Steroid hormone secreted by adrenal cortex; regulates carbohydrate metabolism
Endocrine Glands
Glandular system that secretes hormones directly into bloodstream rather than into duct; endocrine glands are frequently referred to as ductless glands; endocrine system includes thyroid gland, adrenal glands, parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, pancreas (islets of Langerhans), testes, ovaries, and thymus gland
Endocrine System
Body system consisting of glands that secrete hormones directly into blood stream; endocrine glands include adrenal glands, parathyroid gland, pancreas, pituitary gland, testes, ovaries, thymus gland, and thyroid gland
Epinephrine
Hormone produced by adrenal medulla; also known as ‘adrenaline’; some of its actions include increased heart rate and force of contraction, bronchodilation, and relaxation of intestinal muscles
Estrogen
One of hormones produced by ovaries; works with progesterone to control menstrual cycle and is responsible for producing secondary sexual characteristics
Exocrine Glands
Glands that secrete substances into a duct; examples include tears and tear ducts
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland; stimulates growth of eggs in females and sperm in males
Gametes
Reproductive sex cells–ova and sperm
Glands
Organs of body that release secretions; exocrine glands, like sweat glands, release their secretions into ducts; endocrine glands, such as thyroid gland, release their hormones directly into blood stream