 | Term | Definition |
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endocrine system |
a collection of glands and groups of cells thats secrete hormones that regulate growth,development, and homeostsis |
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hormones |
chemical "messengers" of the endocrine system that are released into the blood |
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protein hormones |
class of hormones that cannot pass through the cell membrane; less likely to be stored in the body |
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steroid hormone |
class of hormones that can pass through the cell membrane; can be stored in the body |
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prostaglandins |
local hormones that do not enter the bloodstream |
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positive feedback |
Process that amplifies a small change (Reinforce change) |
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negative feedback |
a response that opposes the original stimulus |
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one messenger model |
mechanism of hormone action used by steroid hormones which bring their message directly into the cell |
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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 |
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hypersecretion |
excessive hormone production by an endocrine gland |
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hyposecretion |
deficient hormone production by an endocrine gland |
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pituitary gland |
the master gland of the endocrine system |
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growth hormone |
hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland that stimulates growth of bones |
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luteinizing hormone |
A protein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates ovulation in females and androgen production in males. |
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Prolactin |
Peptide hormone released by anterior pituitary which promotes lactation. |
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follicle stimulating hormone |
secreted in increasing amounts during puberty, by the anterior pituitary gland, to stimulate development of reproductive cell follicles |
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adrenocorticotropic hormone |
A peptide hormone released from the anterior pituitary, it stimulates the production and secretion of steroid hormones by the adrenal cortex. |
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oxytocin |
A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. It induces contractions of the uterine muscles during labor. |
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antidiuretic hormone |
hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland which aids in water reabsorption by the kidney |
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hypothalamus |
part of the brain which links the endocine and nervous system, and controls the pituitary gland. |
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acromegaly |
Hypersecretion of the GH in adults which causes an overgrowth of bones in the hands, feet, and face |
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thyroid gland |
gland found in neck that regulates rate of metabolism; produces thyroxine |
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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. |
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parahormone |
secreted by parathyroid glands and controls calcium and phosphate metabolism |
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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 |
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osteoporosis |
a condition in which the body's bones become weak and break easily; may be caused by hypersecretion of parahormone |
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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. |
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cortex |
outer part of kidney which produces corticosteroids; helps body deal with longtern stress |
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medulla |
inner part of kidney which produces epineprine and norepinephrine |
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cortisol |
secreted from the adrenal cortex, aids the body during stress by regulating glucose, carbohydrates, and fat levels |
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aldosterone |
a corticosteroid hormone that is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland, regulates mineral balance in blood and controls fluid volumes |
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Cushing syndrome |
excessive production of cortisol by adrenal cortex with symptoms of abnormal fat deposits and wasting away of muscle |
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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 |
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insulin |
a hormone secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans of the pancreas responsible for regulating the metabolism of glucose |
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glucagon |
hormone secreted by alpha cells of the pancreas; raises blood glucose levels |
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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. |
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estrogen |
a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics |
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progesterone |
A hormone produced by the ovaries which acts with estrogen to bring about the menstral cycle. |
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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. |
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pineal gland |
A small mass of tissue near the center of the brain; it secretes the hormone melatonin. |
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melatonin |
Hormone secreted by the pineal gland, used to regulate sleep patterns. |
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Thymus gland |
Gland located near the heart; it aids in the body's defence against infection by making antibodies |
