Module 10 AI cards Flashcards
What is the primary function of the pituitary gland?
Secretes hormones that control the activities of other endocrine glands
The pituitary gland is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ due to its role in regulating other endocrine glands.
What function does the pineal gland serve?
Influences the sleep-wakefulness cycle
The pineal gland releases melatonin, which plays a key role in regulating circadian rhythms.
What is the main role of the thyroid gland?
Regulates the body’s metabolism
The thyroid gland releases hormones like T3 and T4, which are crucial for metabolic processes.
What do parathyroid glands regulate?
Calcium levels in the body
The parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases calcium levels in the blood by breaking down bones.
What is the function of the pancreas in the endocrine system?
Controls blood sugar levels in the body
The pancreas secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.
What are the combining forms related to the pituitary gland?
Pituitar(o)-, Pituit(o)-
These forms are used in medical terminology related to the pituitary gland.
Fill in the blank: The hormone that regulates salt and water balance is __________.
Aldosterone
True or False: The adrenal glands secrete hormones that influence sex drive.
True
Androgens, secreted by the adrenal cortex, affect sex drive and characteristics.
What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?
Endocrine glands secrete hormones inside the body; exocrine glands secrete substances via ducts onto surfaces outside or inside the body
Examples of exocrine glands include sweat glands and salivary glands.
What are the two major hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary?
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin
Both hormones are produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary.
What is homeostasis?
Maintenance of a stable environment despite continuous outside changes
Hormones play a crucial role in achieving homeostasis by regulating various body functions.
List three major hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex.
- Aldosterone
- Cortisol
- Androgens
What is the role of glucagon?
Prevents blood glucose levels from dropping too low
Glucagon stimulates the liver to convert glycogen back into glucose.
What are the thyroid hormones?
- Thyroxine (T4)
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
T4 is converted into the more active T3 in tissues.
What is the function of the hypothalamus in relation to the pituitary gland?
Controls the pituitary
The hypothalamus releases regulating hormones that influence pituitary function.
What does the term ‘gonads’ refer to?
Sex glands (ovaries in females, testes in males)
Gonads are responsible for the development and maintenance of sex characteristics.
What is the effect of cortisol?
Regulates metabolism of nutrients and has anti-inflammatory effects
Cortisol is sometimes used in medicine as a steroid due to its properties.
True or False: The pancreas is solely an endocrine gland.
False
The pancreas has both endocrine (hormone secretion) and exocrine (digestive enzyme secretion) functions.
What is the role of cortisol in the body?
Regulates metabolism of nutrients and has anti-inflammatory effects
Sometimes used in medicine as hydrocortisone or steroid cream; depresses immune response at high doses.
What are androgens?
Hormones that influence sex drive and sex-related characteristics in both males and females.
What hormones are secreted by the inner adrenal medulla?
- Epinephrine (adrenaline)
- Norepinephrine
What is the ‘4S’ mnemonic for adrenal gland hormones?
SALT (Aldosterone), SUGAR (Cortisol), SEX (Androgens), STRESS! (Epinephrine)
What are the gonads in the human body?
Ovaries in females and testes in males.
What hormones do the ovaries produce?
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
