Week 2: The Endocrine System Flashcards
Definition
Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla that prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels.
Define
Adrenaline/Noradrenaline
Define
Hypersecretion
The excessive production of hormones by a gland.
Define
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA Axis)
A feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands that regulates cortisol production.
Define
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis (HPT Axis)
A feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland that regulates thyroid hormone production.
Definition
The outer part of the adrenal glands that produces corticosteroids, including cortisol and aldosterone.
Define
Adrenal Cortex
Definition
The insufficient production of hormones by a gland.
Hyposecretion
Define
Endocrine System
A system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions.
Define
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males.
Definition
A brain region that regulates the endocrine system by controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
Define
Hypothalamus
Definition
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that include thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Define
Thyroid Hormones (TH)
Definition
A hormone produced by the ovaries that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle.
Define
Progesterone
Define
Testosterone
A hormone primarily produced by the testes that regulates male reproductive tissues, secondary sexual characteristics, and promotes muscle and bone growth.
Define
Erythropoietin (EPO)
A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Definition
Receptors located on the cell surface that bind to amino acid-based hormones and initiate intracellular signaling pathways.
Define
Plasma Membrane Receptors
Define
Plasma Membrane Receptors
Receptors located on the cell surface that bind to amino acid-based hormones and initiate intracellular signaling pathways.
Definition
The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow.
Define
Vasoconstriction
Definition
A feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland that regulates thyroid hormone production.
Define
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis (HPT Axis)
Definition
The release of hormones in response to neural impulses.
Define
Neural Stimulus
Define
Metabolic Rate
The rate at which the body expends energy, influenced by various hormones.
Definition
The breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver and muscle tissues.
Define
Glycogenolysis
Definition
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females and spermatogenesis in males.
Define
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Define
Neural Stimulus
The release of hormones in response to neural impulses.
Define
Hormones
Chemical messengers produced by glands that travel through the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes.
Definition
A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate metabolism, reduces inflammation, and assists in the body’s stress response.
Define
Cortisol
Definition
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.
Define
Prolactin
Definition
The stalk that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.
Define
Infundibulum
Definition
A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels by promoting bone resorption and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines.
Define
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Define
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels by promoting bone resorption and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines.
Define
Aldosterone
A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate blood pressure by increasing sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.
Define
Infundibulum
The stalk that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.
Define
Amino Acid-Based Hormones
Hormones derived from amino acids that bind to plasma membrane receptors and trigger responses inside the cell.
Define
Hypothalamic-Hypophyseal Tract
The neural pathway that connects the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary.
Definition
A hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.
Define
Insulin
Define
Nervous System
The system of nerves and cells that transmits signals between different parts of the body, influencing the endocrine system’s activity.
Define
Hyposecretion
The insufficient production of hormones by a gland.
Definition
Processes that use the output of a system to regulate its own activity, often through negative feedback to maintain homeostasis.
Define
Feedback Mechanisms
Definition
A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption.
Define
Calcitonin
Definition
A hormone primarily produced by the ovaries that regulates the menstrual cycle, supports reproductive tissues, and influences secondary sexual characteristics in females.
Define
Oestrogen
Definition
The release of hormones in response to changes in blood levels of certain ions or nutrients.
Define
Humoral Stimulus
Define
Steroid Hormones
Hormones derived from cholesterol that pass through cell membranes and act on intracellular receptors.
Define
Feedback Mechanisms
Processes that use the output of a system to regulate its own activity, often through negative feedback to maintain homeostasis.
Define
Progesterone
A hormone produced by the ovaries that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle.
Define
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
Define
Oxytocin
A hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and the release of milk from the mammary glands.
Define
Anterior Pituitary
The front part of the pituitary gland that produces and secretes various hormones, including FSH, LH, and GH.
Definition
Chemical messengers produced by glands that travel through the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes.
Define
Hormones
Definition
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.
Define
Growth Hormone (GH)
Define
Glucagon
A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver.
Define
Glycogenolysis
The breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver and muscle tissues.
Definition
A feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands that regulates cortisol production.
Define
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA Axis)
Definition
The rate at which the body expends energy, influenced by various hormones.
Define
Metabolic Rate
Definition
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males.
Define
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
Define
Intracellular Receptors
Receptors located inside the cell that bind to steroid hormones and influence gene expression.
Definition
Hormones derived from cholesterol that pass through cell membranes and act on intracellular receptors.
Define
Steroid Hormones
Definition
A system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions.
Define
Endocrine System
Definition
The front part of the pituitary gland that produces and secretes various hormones, including FSH, LH, and GH.
Define
Anterior Pituitary
Define
Vasoconstriction
The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow.
Definition
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol.
Define
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Define
Adrenaline/Noradrenaline
Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla that prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels.
Definition
Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Define
Endocrine Glands
Define
Humoral Stimulus
The release of hormones in response to changes in blood levels of certain ions or nutrients.
Define
Prolactin
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.
Definition
A hormone primarily produced by the testes that regulates male reproductive tissues, secondary sexual characteristics, and promotes muscle and bone growth.
Define
Testosterone
Define
Adrenal Medulla
The inner part of the adrenal glands that produces adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Define
Hypothalamus
A brain region that regulates the endocrine system by controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
Define
Gluconeogenesis
The production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources in the liver.
Define
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol.
Definition
A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver.
Define
Glucagon
Definition
A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Define
Erythropoietin (EPO)
Definition
A hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and the release of milk from the mammary glands.
Define
Oxytocin
Define
Thyroid Hormones (TH)
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
Define
Calcitonin
A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption.
Define
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.
Define
Negative Feedback
A mechanism where the output of a system reduces the effect of the initial stimulus, helping to maintain equilibrium.
Definition
The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus, including ADH and oxytocin.
Define
Posterior Pituitary
Define
Posterior Pituitary
The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus, including ADH and oxytocin.
Definition
A mechanism where the output of a system reduces the effect of the initial stimulus, helping to maintain equilibrium.
Define
Negative Feedback
Define
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females and spermatogenesis in males.
Definition
The release of hormones in response to other hormones.
Define
Hormonal Stimulus
Definition
A hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland that helps regulate water balance in the body by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Define
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Define
Thyroid Hormones (TH)
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that include thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Definition
A system of blood vessels that connects the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, allowing hormones to travel directly between these regions.
Define
Hypophyseal Portal System
Define
Hormonal Stimulus
The release of hormones in response to other hormones.
Definition
The excessive production of hormones by a gland.
Define
Hypersecretion
Definition
The maintenance of a stable internal environment within the body despite external changes.
Define
Homeostasis
Definition
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
Define
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Define
Endocrine Glands
Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Define
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
A hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland that helps regulate water balance in the body by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Definition
The production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources in the liver.
Define
Gluconeogenesis
Definition
The system of nerves and cells that transmits signals between different parts of the body, influencing the endocrine system’s activity.
Define
Nervous System
Definition
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
Define
Thyroid Hormones (TH)
Define
Adrenal Cortex
The outer part of the adrenal glands that produces corticosteroids, including cortisol and aldosterone.
Definition
Hormones derived from amino acids that bind to plasma membrane receptors and trigger responses inside the cell.
Define
Amino Acid-Based Hormones
Definition
The neural pathway that connects the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary.
Define
Hypothalamic-Hypophyseal Tract
Definition
Receptors located inside the cell that bind to steroid hormones and influence gene expression.
Define
Intracellular Receptors
Define
Cortisol
A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate metabolism, reduces inflammation, and assists in the body’s stress response.
Definition
The inner part of the adrenal glands that produces adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Define
Adrenal Medulla
Define
Hypophyseal Portal System
A system of blood vessels that connects the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, allowing hormones to travel directly between these regions.
Define
Homeostasis
The maintenance of a stable internal environment within the body despite external changes.
Define
Oestrogen
A hormone primarily produced by the ovaries that regulates the menstrual cycle, supports reproductive tissues, and influences secondary sexual characteristics in females.
Definition
A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate blood pressure by increasing sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.
Define
Aldosterone
Define
Growth Hormone (GH)
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.
Why is it important for health professionals to understand the endocrine system?
Understanding the endocrine system is crucial for health professionals to diagnose and treat endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus, Grave’s disease, Hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and Gigantism, as well as to understand the medical treatments available for these conditions.
What are some common endocrine disorders?
Common endocrine disorders include diabetes mellitus, Grave’s disease, Hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and Gigantism.
How do head injuries, tumours, ageing, genetic abnormalities, and autoimmune diseases affect the endocrine system?
These conditions can result in endocrine disorders that disrupt normal body functions and impact life expectancy.
What are the two communication systems that regulate body functions?
The nervous system and the endocrine system.
How does the nervous system respond to a stimulus?
The nervous system responds quickly (milliseconds) by generating and conducting electrical signals along neurons to alter the activities of an effector, such as a muscle or gland.
How does the endocrine system respond to a stimulus?
The endocrine system responds more slowly (minutes) by producing and secreting hormones into the bloodstream to alter the activities of cells with the appropriate hormone receptors.
What is the role of hormones in the endocrine system?
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various body functions by altering the activities of cells that have the appropriate hormone receptors.
What is the main difference in response time between the nervous and endocrine systems?
The nervous system responds in milliseconds, while the endocrine system responds in minutes.
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.
How do the nervous and endocrine systems work together to maintain homeostasis?
The nervous system provides rapid, short-term responses through electrical signals, while the endocrine system offers slower, longer-lasting regulation through hormones to maintain balance in the body.
Why might a health professional need to know about hormonal treatments?
Hormonal treatments may be necessary to manage and treat endocrine disorders and restore balance in hormone levels.
What are the effects of endocrine disorders on life expectancy?
Endocrine disorders can dramatically impact normal body functions and potentially reduce life expectancy if not properly managed.
What role does the endocrine system play in regulating body functions?
The endocrine system regulates body functions by releasing hormones that influence the activity of various cells and organs to maintain balance and homeostasis.
What is the significance of hormone receptors in the endocrine system?
Hormone receptors on cells are crucial because they allow hormones to bind and exert their effects, influencing the cell’s activity.
Name a few conditions where endocrine disorders might require medical treatment.
Conditions include diabetes mellitus, Grave’s disease, Hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and Gigantism.
How are hormones secreted by endocrine glands?
Hormones are secreted in response to stimuli such as hormonal signals, changes in blood ion or nutrient levels, and signals from the nervous system.
What are the three main categories of stimuli that trigger hormone secretion?
Hormonal stimulus
Humoral stimulus
Neural stimulus
What is a hormonal stimulus?
A hormonal stimulus occurs when one hormone stimulates the secretion of another hormone.
What is a humoral stimulus?
A humoral stimulus involves changes in ion or nutrient blood levels, such as glucose, calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), or potassium (K+).
What is a neural stimulus?
A neural stimulus involves signals from the nervous system that trigger hormone secretion.
How do feedback mechanisms regulate hormone secretion?
Negative feedback mechanisms regulate hormone secretion by returning hormone levels and blood levels to normal when homeostasis is restored.
What are the two chemical classifications of hormones?
Steroid hormones
Amino acid-based hormones
What are steroid hormones made from?
Steroid hormones are made from cholesterol.
How do steroid hormones interact with target cells?
Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble, can easily diffuse across the plasma membrane, and bind to intracellular receptors inside the cell.