Week 1 Endocrine System Flashcards
What is a gland?
A structure or organ that produces a secretion.
What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?
Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the blood, while exocrine glands use ducts to transport secretions.
Give an example of an endocrine gland.
Pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland.
Give an example of an exocrine gland.
Sweat glands, salivary glands, mammary glands.
What is the purpose of hormones?
They regulate body functions and maintain homeostasis.
What are the three main types of hormone stimuli?
Chemical changes in blood, hormonal stimulation, and nervous system stimulation.
What is negative feedback in hormone regulation?
A process where the body reduces hormone production when levels are adequate.
What are the major endocrine glands?
Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, testes, pineal.
Which gland is known as the master gland?
The pituitary gland.
What hormones are produced by the thyroid gland?
Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), and Calcitonin.
What is the function of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?
It regulates the pituitary gland by producing releasing and inhibiting hormones.
What is the function of the anterior pituitary?
It produces hormones like GH, TSH, ACTH, LH, FSH, and PRL.
What is the function of the posterior pituitary?
It stores and releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
What is the role of insulin?
Lowers blood glucose by facilitating glucose uptake in cells.
What is the function of glucagon?
Raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver.
What is the function of cortisol?
Regulates metabolism and stress response.
What is the function of growth hormone (GH)?
Promotes growth and metabolism.
What hormone is released during stress and activates the fight-or-flight response?
Epinephrine (adrenaline).
Which organ regulates blood glucose levels?
The pancreas.
What is the normal blood glucose range?
70-110 mg/dL.
What happens when blood glucose levels drop?
Glucagon is released to increase glucose levels.
What is diabetes mellitus?
A disorder where blood glucose regulation is impaired.
What hormone regulates calcium levels in the blood?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH).
What is the function of melatonin?
Regulates sleep-wake cycles.
