Wk 5 Vocab Endocrine Flashcards
acromegaly
A form of gigantism that results from an excess of
growth hormone (GH)
aldosterone
A mineralocorticoid hormone secreted by the cortex
of the adrenal gland. It stimulates the kidney to conserve
sodium ions and water and to eliminate potassium and hydrogen ions.
adrenal cortex
The outer portion of the adrenal gland that produces glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and sex hormones.
adrenal gland
Two endocrine glands located near the cranial
poles of the kidneys. Each consists of an outer cortex and an inner medulla.
adrenal medulla
The inner portion of the adrenal gland that
produces the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
A hormone secreted by
the anterior portion of the pituitary gland, which in turn activates the cortex of the adrenal gland. The adrenal cortex then releases its own hormones.ACTH is vital to the normal function and development of the adrenal cortex.
alopecia
Loss of hair
anabolism
The form of metabolism by which cells build complex
compounds from simpler ones; the opposite of catabolism.
The process by which the cell uses energy to manufacture large molecules from smaller ones; these molecules are used to maintain the cell and carry out metabolic processes.
androgens
Hormones that promote the development of male
characteristics; male sex hormones. The principal androgen is testosterone.
anterior pituitary gland
The adenohypophysis; the rostral
portion of the pituitary gland that produces seven hormones, many of which influence other endocrine glands.
antidiuretic hormone
(ADH)
A hormone released by the posterior pituitary. It facilitates water conservation in the body by
promoting water reabsorption from urine in the collecting
ducts. Low levels of ADH cause diabetes insipidus, a condition that results in excessive water loss from the body through
increased urine volume
atrophy
Shinkage
calcitonin
The hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that prevents the level of calcium in the blood from getting
too high.
calorigenic
Heat producing
catabolism
The breaking down of nutrients into smaller and
simpler materials for use by the cell to release energy; the opposite of anabolism
catecholamine
The group of neurotransmitters that includes
norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and others with
similar chemical properties.
cell-mediated
immunity
The portion of the immune system that
produces “killer” cells that directly attack foreign invaders.
cholecystokinin (CCK)
A hormone released by the duodenum
when chyme enters from the stomach. It slows gastric emptying and motility while increasing intestinal motility. It also stimulates the pancreas to release digestive enzymes into the duodenum.
chorionic
gonadotropin
A hormone produced by the placenta
of a pregnant animal.
chyme
The semifluid, partially digested food that leaves the
stomach and enters the duodenum.
corpus luteum
literally “yellow body.”The solid endocrine structure that forms from the empty ovarian follicle after ovulation.
Under stimulation from luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, the granulosa cells left in the empty follicle multiply to form the solid corpus luteum. It produces progestin hormones, principally progesterone, that are necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy.
cortex
(1) The outer, superficial layer of an organ or structure.
(2) The outer portion of the kidney. It contains the renal corpuscles, proximal convoluted tubules, distal convoluted tubules, collecting ducts, and peritubular capillaries. (3) In hair, it is the layer surrounding the medulla, composed of hard keratin.
diabetes insipidus
disease resulting from a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary gland. It results in
polyuria and polydipsia.
Diabetes mellitus
A disease resulting from a deficiency of the
hormone insulin from the pancreatic islets. The lack of insulin prevents glucose from entering cells and being used as an energy source. This results in signs that include hyperglycemia, glycosuria, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss,and weakness
diuresis
Producing and passing large amounts of urine.
duodenum
The first segment of the small intestine after the
stomach. Chyme enters the duodenum from the stomach.
dysfunction
Abnormal functioning of an organ or body part.
eclampsia
A condition seen in lactating dogs and cats that results
from hypocalcemia. Early signs of eclampsia include muscle
tremors and spasms.
endocrine gland
Glands or cells that release their regulatory
products (hormones) directly into the bloodstream. Endocrine glands control most metabolic functions. Examples of endocrine glands include the pituitary, parathyroid, and pancreas.
endocrinology
The study of the endocrine system.
epinephrine
Commonly called adrenaline. A hormone secreted
by the medulla of the adrenal gland under stimulation by the sympathetic portion of the autonomic nervous system. It produces part of the fight-or-flight response that results when an animal feels threatened.
erythropoietin
The hormone produced by the kidney that stimulates the red bone marrow to increase its production of red
blood cells
estrogen
Hormones that promote the development of female
characteristics; female sex hormones.
exocrine gland
Glands that release their secretions through
ducts that lead directly to the location intended to be controlled. Some examples include sweat glands and salivary glands
feedback mechanism
a physiological regulation system in a living body that works to return the body to its normal internal state, or commonly known as homeostasis.
fight-or-flight response
A whole-body response resulting from
an animal feeling threatened that prepares the body for intense physical activity. It results from a combination of direct sympathetic nerve stimulation and the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream from the medulla of the adrenal gland. Effects in the body include increased heart rate and output, increased blood pressure, dilated air passageways in the lungs, and decreased gastrointestinal function.
follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH)
The anterior pituitary
hormone that stimulates the growth and development of follicles in the ovaries of the female. In the male, it stimulates spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
gastrin
A hormone produced in the lining of the stomach when
food arrives. It stimulates the gastric glands to secrete hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes to start the digestive process and causes the fundus to relax.
glucagon
hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood
glucose.
glucocorticoid
hormone
A group of hormones with similar
actions, secreted by the cortex of the adrenal glands. The most prominent effect of these hormones is to raise the level of glucose in the bloodstream.
gluconeogenesis
The production of glucose from amino acids
that occurs in the liver.
glycosuria
The presence of glucose in the urine.
gonad
The organ that produces the reproductive cells; the testis
in the male and the ovary in the female
gonadotropin
hormone that stimulates the growth and development of the gonads (ovaries and testes). Usually refers to
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH).
growth hormone (GH)
The anterior pituitary hormone that promotes body growth in young animals and helps regulate the
metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in all of the body’s cells.
homeostasis
A state of equilibrium maintained in the body by
feedback and regulatory processes in response to internal and
external changes; the maintenance of balance in the body. The
concept of homeostasis includes the many mechanisms that
monitor critical levels and functions in the body and stimulate
corrective actions when things stray from normal. By keeping
important activities within relatively narrow ranges, the process
of homeostasis helps maintain normal body structure, function,
and therefore health.
hormone
Chemical messengers of the body that are produced
and excreted by endocrine glands for the purpose of regulating
specific organs or cells.
hydrophilic
The tendency of a tissue to absorb or be attracted to
water.
hydrophobic
The tendency of a tissue to be repelled by water or
to be insoluble
hyperadrenocorticism
Excessive secretion of hormones from
the cortex of the adrenal gland; also called Cushing’s syndrome
hypercalcemia
An excess level of calcium in the blood.
hyperglycemia
Too high a level of glucose in the blood.
hyperplasia
Excessive development of a body part as a result of
an abnormal proliferation of cells.
hypoadrenocorticism
Deficient secretion of hormones from the
cortex of the adrenal gland; also called Addison’s syndrome.
hypocalcemia
Too low a level of calcium in the blood.
hypoglycemia
Too low a level of glucose in the blood
hypothalamus
portion of the diencephalon that has extensive
links to the brain and to the pituitary gland. It functions as an important bridge between the nervous and the endocrine
systems.
hypoxia
Oxygen deficiency; causes bluish tinge of mucous membranes. There are many causes of hypoxia, ranging from anemia
to respiratory blockage.
iatrogenic
A condition caused by medical treatment given to an
anima
Insulin
A hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic
islets. Its main action is to allow glucose to be absorbed into
body cells and used for energy; this decreases the level of glucose
in the blood.
interstitial cell
Endocrine cells located between the seminiferous
tubules of the testes. They produce androgens, the male sex
hormones
interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH)
The anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the interstitial cells of the testes
to produce androgens, the male sex hormones; also known as
luteinizing hormone (LH)
lactation
Milk production by the mammary gland.
luteinizing hormone
LH
The anterior pituitary hormone that
stimulates ovulation in most species and then causes the empty
follicle to develop into the corpus luteum.
luteolysis
Destruction of the corpus luteum.
medulla
(1) The inner, deep layer of an organ or structure. (2)
The inner part of the kidney. It contains the loop of Henle,
peritubular capillaries, and collecting ducts. (3) The innermost
layer of a hair strand, made of two or three layers of flexible,
soft keratin.
melanocyte-stimulating hormone
(MSH)
associated with control of color changes
in the pigment cells (melanocytes) of reptiles, fish, and
amphibians—animals that can rapidly change colors and
color patterns.
melatonin
A hormonelike substance produced by the pineal
body. It apparently affects moods and wake–sleep cycles and
may affect the timing of seasonal estrous cycles in some species.
metabolism
All of the complex, interrelated chemical processes
that make life possible. Its two fundamental components are anabolism and catabolism
milk fever
A disease seen in lactating cattle that results from
hypocalcemia. The signs of milk fever include muscle weakness
and an inability to stand.
milk letdown
The immediate effect of nursing or milking. The
movement of milk from the alveoli and small ducts down into
the larger ducts and sinuses, where it is accessible for nursing or
milking. It results from the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland. The oxytocin causes myoepithelial cells
surrounding the alveoli and small ducts of the mammary gland
to contract, squeezing the milk into the lower parts of the gland.
mineralocorticoid hormone
A mineralocorticoid hormone secreted by the cortex
of the adrenal gland. It stimulates the kidney to conserve
sodium ions and water and to eliminate potassium and hydrogen ions.
monoamine hormone
Hormones derived from amino acids
such as tyrosine and tryptophan. Their name comes from the fact that they retain one amino group.
myoepithelial cell
Cells in the mammary glands that have characteristics of both muscle cells and epithelial cells. They surround the alveoli and small ducts of the glands.When stimulated
by the hormone oxytocin, they contract, squeezing milk down into the large ducts and sinuses; see milk let-down
myometrium
The muscle layer of the uterus.
neurotransmitter
A chemical released by the presynaptic neuron
that diffuses across the synaptic cleft, binds with the receptor on
the postsynaptic membrane, and stimulates (excitatory neurotransmitter) or inhibits (inhibitory neurotransmitter) the
postsynaptic neuron. Neurotransmitters also stimulate effector
cells such as muscle or gland cells.
nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory
drugs (NSAIDS)
A drug that relieves pain
(analgesia) and reduces inflammation but that is not related
to the glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal cortex.
Glucocorticoid-like drugs are commonly referred to clinically
as corticosteroids. Carprofen and meloxicam are examples
of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in veterinary
medicine
norepinephrine
A hormone secreted by the medulla of the
adrenal gland under stimulation by the sympathetic portion of
the autonomic nervous system. It produces part of the fight-or flight response that results when an animal feels threatened.
oogenesis
The production of female reproductive cells (ova) in
ovarian follicles.
ovaries
The female gonads; they produce the female reproductive cell, the ovum, as well as estrogen and progestin hormones;
homologous to the testes of the male.
oxytocin
One of the posterior pituitary hormones. It is produced
in the hypothalamus and then stored and released from the
posterior pituitary gland. It stimulates contraction of the myometrium of the uterus at breeding and parturition and contraction of the myoepithelial cells of the lactating mammary gland.
pancreas
Endocrine and exocrine gland that produces and
secretes digestive enzymes into the intestine and produces hormones, including insulin and glucagon
pancreatic islet
The endocrine portion of the pancreas; composed of thousands of microscopic clumps of cells scattered
throughout the organ; also called the islets of Langerhans
parathyroid gland
Endocrine glands consisting of several small
nodules located in, on, or near the thyroid gland. They produce
parathyroid hormone
parathyroid hormone
(PTH)
Endocrine glands consisting of several small
nodules located in, on, or near the thyroid gland. They produce
parathyroid hormone.
parturition
The birth process.
peptide hormone
Hormone consisting of chains of amino acids.
pineal body
A structure in the brain located at the caudal end
of the deep cleft that separates the two hemispheres of the cerebrum, just rostral to the cerebellum. It produces the hormone like substance melatonin that appears to influence the body’s
biological clock
pituitary gland
he master endocrine gland. A pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain; made up of the
anterior pituitary gland, which produces seven known hormones, and the posterior pituitary gland, which stores and
releases two hormones from the hypothalamus; also called the
hypophysis
placenta
life-support system for a developing fetus; a multilayered, fluid-filled, membranous sac that surrounds the fetus and
links it to the blood supply of the uterus. There is normally no
direct mixing of fetal and maternal blood, but the blood vessels
are close enough to each other that nutrients, wastes, and respiratory gases are easily exchanged between the fetal and maternal
bloodstreams. It is also an important endocrine organ. At parturition, it is delivered last; so it is sometimes referred to as the
afterbirth.
polydipsia
Excessive thirst
polyphagia
Excessive appetite
polyuria
Production of an excessive volume of urine
portal system
An arrangement of blood vessels that carries blood
from one organ or tissue directly to another organ or tissue
before returning it to the heart.
posterior pituitary
gland
The neurohypophysis; the caudal
portion of the pituitary gland that stores and releases two hormones (antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin) that are produced
in the hypothalamus
precursor
Something that precedes or develops into something
else
progesterone
The principal progestin hormone produced by the
corpus luteum of the ovary. It helps prepare the uterus for
implantation of the fertilized ovum and helps maintain pregnancy once it begins.
progestin
Hormones produced by the corpus luteum of the
ovary. They are necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy,
particularly during the early gestational period. The principal
progestin hormone is progesterone.
prohormone
A hormone precursor that has minimal hormonal
effect by itself.
prolactin
The anterior pituitary hormone that helps trigger and
maintain lactation.
prostaglandin (PGs)
Hormonelike substances that are produced and exert many effects locally in a variety of body tissues.
Sometimes called tissue hormones because they regulate biochemical activities in the tissues where they are formed.
prostate gland
The male accessory reproductive gland that generally surrounds the urethra; it lies just distal to the urinary
bladder. The prostate gland is the only accessory reproductive
gland in the dog, so it is quite large in that species.
secretin
A hormone produced in the lining of the duodenum,
when chyme enters from the stomach. It stimulates the pancreas
to release a fluid rich in sodium bicarbonate to help neutralize
the acidic chyme. It inhibits gastric motility and delays gastric
emptying.
seminal vesicle
Accessory reproductive glands that contribute
various materials to semen. Seminal vesicles are present in all
common domestic animals except the dog and cat
Sex Hormones
Hormones that target the reproductive tissues.
The male sex hormones are the androgens, and the female sex
hormones are the estrogens.
spermatogenesis
The production of spermatozoa in the testis.
steroid hormone
Hormone whose structure is derived from
cholesterol.
superovulation
Production of an abnormally high number of
ova in the ovaries induced by the administration of drugs with
follicle-stimulating hormone activity. Usually done as the first
step in transfer of embryos to other animals.
target
An organ or tissue that responds to a particular hormone.
Testes
The male gonads. They produce the male reproductive
cells, spermatozoa, as well as androgen hormones.
testosterone
The principal male sex hormone.
tetraiodothyronine (T4)
Thyroxine; thyroid hormone that is
largely converted to T3 before exerting an effect on target cells.
poietin
suffix used with words to indicate a stimulatory effect on growth or multiplication of cells,
thymosin
A hormonelike substance produced by the thymus. It
influences the development of T cells, important components
of an animal’s cell-mediated immunity.
thymus
An organ that is important in the development of a
young animal’s immune system. It produces hormonelike substances, such as thymopoietin and thymosin.
thyroid gland
An endocrine gland made up of two parts, located
on either side of the larynx, in the neck region. It produces
thyroid hormone and calcitonin.
thyroid hormone
The collective name given to two hormones
produced by the thyroid gland—T3 and T4. They help an animal
generate body heat; influence the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; and encourage the growth and development of young animals.
thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH)
The anterior pituitary
hormone that stimulates the growth and development of the
thyroid gland and causes it to produce its hormones
thyroxin
Thyroxine; thyroid hormone that is
largely converted to T3 before exerting an effect on target cells.
triiodothyronine (T3)
The main active thyroid hormone.
unsaturated fatty acid
Breakdown products of fat metabolism.
Unsaturated refers to the fact that not all the chemical binding
sites of the molecules are filled. They have one or more double
bonds in their carbon chains and are liquid at room temperature. If one double bond is present, the fatty acid is monounsaturated. If more than one double bond is present, the fatty
acid is polyunsaturated. Examples are found in plant oils and
include arachidonic, linolenic, and oleic acids.
