Endocrine System Flashcards
Exocrine glands
Secrete substances into ducts.
Endocrine glands
Secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Organs which have endocrine qualities
Hypothalamus, thalamus, kidneys, GI mucosa, heart, placenta
Hormone
Internal secretion that functions as a chemical messenger in the endocrine system.
Hormonal regulation methods
Hormonal control, feedback systems and neural control
Hormonal control
One hormone controls another.
Feedback systems
The gland is turned on or off in response to the concentration of the hormone or end product.
Neural control
Glands are stimulated directly by the nervous system.
Pituitary gland
Small, grapelike gland attached to the hypothalamus. Sits in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone.
Adrenohypophysis
Anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Produces 7 hormones.
Neurohypophysis
Posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Stores 2 hormones which are produced by the hypothalamus.
Anterior pituitary hormones
ACTH, GH, TSH, FSH, LH, PRL, MSH
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Anterior pituitary hormone; regulates the adrenal cortex. ACTH.
Growth hormone
Anterior pituitary hormone; stimulates muscle and bone growth.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Anterior pituitary hormone; stimulates the thyroid to produce hormones. TSH.
Follicle stimulating hormone
Anterior pituitary hormone; stimulates the gonads to produce gametes. FSH.
Luteinizing hormone
Anterior pituitary hormone; stimulates ovulation and hormone production by the gonads.
Prolactin
Anterior pituitary hormone; stimulate milk production in the mammary glands.
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone
Anterior pituitary hormone; Increases skin pigmentation via the distribution of melanin granules.
Posterior pituitary hormones
Antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin.
Antidiuretic hormone
Posterior pituitary hormone; stimulates the kidneys to retain water. ADH.
Oxytocin
Posterior pituitary hormone; stimulates uterine contractions and causes milk expression.
Hypothalamus
Part of the diencephalon. Produces hormones that inhibit or stimulate the anterior pituitary.
Pineal gland
Pinecone shaped gland directly posterior to the pituitary. Secretes melatonin.
Melatonin
Involved in the control of the circadian rhythm.
Thyroid gland
Butterfly shaped gland found anterior to the trachea. Connected by the central isthmus. Secretes thyroid hormones and calcitonin.