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Medical Terminology: Endocrine System Part 1

Anatomy and Physiology20 CardsCreated 2 months ago

This deck covers key definitions and concepts related to the endocrine system, including various glands and their functions.

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Define: Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and regulates various bodily functions, including temperature, hunger, and circadian rhythms. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.
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Key Terms

Term
Definition
Define: Hypothalamus
A region of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and regulates various bodily functions, including temperature, hunger, and circadian rhythms. ...
Define: Pituitary gland
A small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain that produces hormones regulating various physiological processes, including growth, metaboli...
Define: Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)
The front part of the pituitary gland that produces and secretes hormones such as growth hormone, prolactin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. The ante...
Define: Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis)
The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus, including oxytocin and vasopressin. The posterior...
Define: Pineal gland
A small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, especially in re...
Define: Thyroid gland
An endocrine gland located in the neck that produces hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism. The thyroid...
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Medical Terminology: Endocrine System Part 1
TermDefinition
Define: Hypothalamus
A region of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and regulates various bodily functions, including temperature, hunger, and circadian rhythms. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.
Define: Pituitary gland
A small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain that produces hormones regulating various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ due to its role in controlling other endocrine glands.
Define: Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)
The front part of the pituitary gland that produces and secretes hormones such as growth hormone, prolactin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. The anterior pituitary releases hormones that influence growth and stress responses.
Define: Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis)
The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus, including oxytocin and vasopressin. The posterior pituitary is responsible for the release of hormones involved in water regulation and childbirth.
Define: Pineal gland
A small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, especially in response to darkness.
Define: Thyroid gland
An endocrine gland located in the neck that produces hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism. The thyroid gland is essential for regulating the body’s metabolism and energy levels.
Define: Parathyroid glands
Small endocrine glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland that regulate calcium levels in the blood through the secretion of parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid glands help maintain calcium homeostasis in the body.
Define: Thymus
An organ located in the upper chest that is involved in the development of T-cells, which are crucial for the immune response. The thymus is most active during childhood and plays a key role in the immune system.
Define: Adrenal glands
Pair of endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that produce hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone, which are involved in stress response and metabolism. The adrenal glands respond to stress by releasing hormones that prepare the body for a ‘fight or flight’ response.
Define: Adrenal cortex
The outer portion of the adrenal glands that produces steroid hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone, which regulate metabolism and blood pressure. The adrenal cortex is responsible for producing hormones that help manage stress and fluid balance.
Define: Adrenal medulla
The inner part of the adrenal glands that produces catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are involved in the body’s stress response. The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline during stressful situations, increasing heart rate and blood flow.
Define: Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)
An organ that has both endocrine and exocrine functions, with the Islets of Langerhans being clusters of cells that produce insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels. The Islets of Langerhans within the pancreas are critical for maintaining glucose homeostasis.
Define: Ovaries
Female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The ovaries release eggs during ovulation as part of the reproductive cycle.
Define: Testes
Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and hormones, primarily testosterone, which is responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics. The testes are vital for male fertility and the development of masculine traits.
Define: Endocrine system
A network of glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and mood. The endocrine system coordinates complex processes like growth and metabolism through hormone signaling.
Define: Exocrine glands
Glands that secrete substances through ducts to the outside of the body or into the digestive system, such as sweat glands and salivary glands. Exocrine glands like sweat glands play a role in thermoregulation and skin hydration.
Define: Parenchyma (functional tissue)
The functional tissue of an organ, as opposed to the supportive or connective tissue, responsible for the organ’s specific functions. The parenchyma of the liver is essential for detoxification and metabolic processes.
Define: Islets of Langerhans
Clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones such as insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels. The Islets of Langerhans are crucial for maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
Define: Neuroendocrine system
A system that integrates the nervous system and the endocrine system, allowing for hormonal regulation in response to neural signals. The neuroendocrine system plays a key role in stress responses and homeostasis.
Define: Target cells
Cells that have specific receptors for hormones and are affected by the hormone’s action, leading to a physiological response. Hormones bind to target cells to elicit specific biological responses.