Quizlet Endocrine System Review

Print Options

This box will be automatically hidden when printing. ← Back to Set Page


  1. Cushing syndrome: excessive production of cortisol by adrenal cortex with symptoms of abnormal fat deposits and wasting away of muscle
  2. Prolactin: Peptide hormone released by anterior pituitary which promotes lactation.
  3. Thymus gland: Gland located near the heart; it aids in the body's defence against infection by making antibodies
  4. acromegaly: Hypersecretion of the GH in adults which causes an overgrowth of bones in the hands, feet, and face
  5. adrenal gland: one of a pair of ductless glands, located above the kidneys, consisting of a cortex, which produces steroidal hormones, and a medulla, which produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.
  6. adrenocorticotropic hormone: A peptide hormone released from the anterior pituitary, it stimulates the production and secretion of steroid hormones by the adrenal cortex.
  7. aldosterone: a corticosteroid hormone that is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland, regulates mineral balance in blood and controls fluid volumes
  8. antidiuretic hormone: hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland which aids in water reabsorption by the kidney
  9. calcitonin: Produced by the thyroid gland and decreases the blood calcium levels by stimulating calcium deposit in the bones. The antagonist of the parathyroid hormone.
  10. cortex: outer part of kidney which produces corticosteroids; helps body deal with longtern stress
  11. cortisol: secreted from the adrenal cortex, aids the body during stress by regulating glucose, carbohydrates, and fat levels
  12. diabetes: a condition in which the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the body's cells cannot use it properly, characterized by excessive thirst, weight loss/gain, frequent urination.
  13. endocrine system: a collection of glands and groups of cells thats secrete hormones that regulate growth,development, and homeostsis
  14. estrogen: a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics
  15. follicle stimulating hormone: secreted in increasing amounts during puberty, by the anterior pituitary gland, to stimulate development of reproductive cell follicles
  16. glucagon: hormone secreted by alpha cells of the pancreas; raises blood glucose levels
  17. growth hormone: hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland that stimulates growth of bones
  18. hormones: chemical "messengers" of the endocrine system that are released into the blood
  19. hypersecretion: excessive hormone production by an endocrine gland
  20. hyposecretion: deficient hormone production by an endocrine gland
  21. hypothalamus: part of the brain which links the endocine and nervous system, and controls the pituitary gland.
  22. insulin: a hormone secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans of the pancreas responsible for regulating the metabolism of glucose
  23. luteinizing hormone: A protein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates ovulation in females and androgen production in males.
  24. medulla: inner part of kidney which produces epineprine and norepinephrine
  25. melatonin: Hormone secreted by the pineal gland, used to regulate sleep patterns.
  26. negative feedback: a response that opposes the original stimulus
  27. one messenger model: mechanism of hormone action used by steroid hormones which bring their message directly into the cell
  28. osteoporosis: a condition in which the body's bones become weak and break easily; may be caused by hypersecretion of parahormone
  29. oxytocin: A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. It induces contractions of the uterine muscles during labor.
  30. pancreas: located partially behind the stomach in the abdomen, and it functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland. It produces digestive enzymes as well as insulin and glucagon
  31. parahormone: secreted by parathyroid glands and controls calcium and phosphate metabolism
  32. pineal gland: A small mass of tissue near the center of the brain; it secretes the hormone melatonin.
  33. pituitary gland: the master gland of the endocrine system
  34. positive feedback: Process that amplifies a small change (Reinforce change)
  35. progesterone: A hormone produced by the ovaries which acts with estrogen to bring about the menstral cycle.
  36. prostaglandins: local hormones that do not enter the bloodstream
  37. protein hormones: class of hormones that cannot pass through the cell membrane; less likely to be stored in the body
  38. steroid hormone: class of hormones that can pass through the cell membrane; can be stored in the body
  39. testosterone: The male sex hormone produced by the testes which promotes the maturation of the reproductive system accessory structures, and development of the male secondary sex characteristics.
  40. tetany: condition affecting nerves causing muscle spasms as a result of low amounts of calcium in the blood caused by a deficiency of the parathyroid hormone
  41. thyroid gland: gland found in neck that regulates rate of metabolism; produces thyroxine
  42. two messenger model: mechanism of hormone action used by protein hormones; attach to cell membrane receptors which activate enzymes in the cell to produce the desired effect