VOCABULARY REVIEW Flashcards
Adrenal glands
Paired glands located above the kidneys; each adrenal gland consists of an inner adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex.
Adrenal cortex
The outer part of the adrenal glands that produces corticosteroids.
Adrenal medulla
The inner part of the adrenal glands that produces catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Hormone that targets the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol (a glucocorticoid).
Aldosterone
Hormone that stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb sodium from the urine and excrete potassium by altering the osmotic gradient in the blood.
Androgens
Male sex hormones that rregulate body changes associated with sexual development (puberty), including growth spurts, deepening of the voice, growth of facial and pubic hair, and muscle growth and strength.
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
A hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary love of the pituitary gland, ADH constricts blood vessels and raises the blood pressure; also called vasopressin.
calcitonin
The hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that helps maintain normal calcium levels in the blood.
catecholamines
Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that assist the body in coping with physical and emotional stress by increasing the pulse and respiratory rates and the blood pressure.
congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
Inadequate production of cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal gland.
Corticosteroids
Hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, the balance of salt and water in the body, the immune system, and sexual function.
cortisol
hormone that stimulates most body cells to increase their energy production
Cushing syndrome
A condition caused by an excess of cortisol production by the adrenal glands or by excessive use of cortisol or other similar corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) hormones.
Diabetes mellitus
Disease characterized by the body’s inability to sufficiently metabolize glucose. The condition occurs either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to the effects of the insulin that is produced.
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
A form of acidosis in uncontrolled diabetes in which certain acids accumulate when insulin is not available.
Dyslipidemia
An excessive level of lipids (fats) circulating in the blood, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Endocrine glands
Glands that secrete or release chemicals that are used inside the body. Endocrine glands lack ducts and release hormones directly into surrounding tissue and blood.
Exocrine glands
Glands that excrete chemicals for elimination
Epinephrine
Hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that plays a vital role in the function of the sympathetic nervous system
Estrogen
One of the three major female hormones. At puberty, estrogen brings about the secondary sex characteristics.
exophthalmos
Protrusion of the eyes form the normal position within the socket.
gestational diabetes
diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before pregnancy.
glands
cells or organs that selectively remove, concentrate, or alter materials in the blood and then secrete them back into the body.
glucagon
hormone produced by the pancreas that is vital to the control of the body’s metabolism and blood glucose level. Glucagon stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to glucose.
goiter
a visible mass in the anterior part of the neck caused by enlargement of the thyroid gland
gonads
the reproductive glands; the main source of sex hormones
graves disease
and autoimmune disorder that causes thyroid gland hypertrophy and severe hyperthyroidism.
Hashimoto disease
A type of hyperthyroidism in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged as it is infiltrated by T lymphocytes and plasma cells
Helper T cells
A type of T lymphocyte that is involved in both cell-mediated and antibody-mediated immune responses. The cells secrete cytokines that stimulate the B cells and other T cells.
Homeostasis
A tendency to constancy or stability in the body’s internal environment.