endocrine system a collection of glands and groups of cells thats secrete hormones

that regulate growth,development, and homeostsis

hormones chemical "messengers" of the endocrine system that are released into
the blood

protein hormones class of hormones that cannot pass through the cell membrane;
less likely to be stored in the body

steroid hormone class of hormones that can pass through the cell membrane; can
be stored in the body

prostaglandins local hormones that do not enter the bloodstream

positive feedback Process that amplifies a small change (Reinforce change)

negative feedback a response that opposes the original stimulus

one messenger model mechanism of hormone action used by steroid hormones

which bring their message directly into the cell

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

hypersecretion excessive hormone production by an endocrine gland

hyposecretion deficient hormone production by an endocrine gland

pituitary gland the master gland of the endocrine system

growth hormone hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland that stimulates

growth of bones

luteinizing hormone A protein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that

stimulates ovulation in females and androgen production in males.

Prolactin Peptide hormone released by anterior pituitary which promotes lactation.

follicle stimulating hormone secreted in increasing amounts during puberty, by the

anterior pituitary gland, to stimulate development of reproductive cell follicles

adrenocorticotropic hormone A peptide hormone released from the anterior

pituitary, it stimulates the production and secretion of steroid hormones by the
adrenal cortex.

oxytocin A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior
pituitary. It induces contractions of the uterine muscles during labor.

antidiuretic hormone hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland which aids
in water reabsorption by the kidney

hypothalamus part of the brain which links the endocine and nervous system, and
controls the pituitary gland.

acromegaly Hypersecretion of the GH in adults which causes an overgrowth of

bones in the hands, feet, and face

thyroid gland gland found in neck that regulates rate of metabolism; produces
thyroxine

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.

parahormone secreted by parathyroid glands and controls calcium and phosphate

metabolism

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

osteoporosis a condition in which the body's bones become weak and break easily;
may be caused by hypersecretion of parahormone

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.

cortex outer part of kidney which produces corticosteroids; helps body deal with
longtern stress

medulla inner part of kidney which produces epineprine and norepinephrine

cortisol secreted from the adrenal cortex, aids the body during stress by regulating
glucose, carbohydrates, and fat levels

aldosterone a corticosteroid hormone that is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal

gland, regulates mineral balance in blood and controls fluid volumes

Cushing syndrome excessive production of cortisol by adrenal cortex with

symptoms of abnormal fat deposits and wasting away of muscle

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

insulin a hormone secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans of the
pancreas responsible for regulating the metabolism of glucose

glucagon hormone secreted by alpha cells of the pancreas; raises blood glucose
levels

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.

estrogen a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the
ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics

progesterone A hormone produced by the ovaries which acts with estrogen to bring
about the menstral cycle.

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.

pineal gland A small mass of tissue near the center of the brain; it secretes the
hormone melatonin.

melatonin Hormone secreted by the pineal gland, used to regulate sleep patterns.


Thymus gland Gland located near the heart; it aids in the body's defence against
infection by making antibodies