MY CH 9 normal structures and functions Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is the adrenal gland?
A ductless gland that secretes hormones into the blood.
Define endocrine.
Pertaining to a ductless gland that secretes hormones into the blood.
What are hormones?
A secretion of an endocrine gland; a substance that travels in the blood and has a regulatory effect on tissues, organs, or glands.
What is the hypophysis?
Another term for the pituitary gland; develops below the hypothalamus.
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Maintaining homeostasis and controlling the pituitary gland.
What is a pancreatic islet?
Cluster of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secretes hormones to regulate glucose metabolism.
What is the parathyroid gland?
A small endocrine gland that acts to increase blood calcium levels; usually there are four to six parathyroid glands.
What is the pineal gland?
A small gland in the brain that regulates mood, daily rhythms, and sexual development in response to environmental light.
What does the pituitary gland secrete?
Growth hormone and hormones that stimulate other glands; releases ADH and oxytocin manufactured in the hypothalamus.
What are prostaglandins?
A group of hormones that stimulate uterine contractions and regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation.
What is a receptor?
A site on the cell membrane or within the cell to which a substance, such as a hormone, attaches.
What is a steroid hormone?
A hormone made from lipids; includes sex hormones and hormones of the adrenal cortex.
What is target tissue?
The specific tissue on which a hormone acts; may also be called the target organ.
What is the thyroid gland?
An endocrine gland that secretes hormones affecting metabolism and growth.
Fill in the blank: The _______ secretes epinephrine in response to stress.
adrenal gland
True or False: The hypothalamus is responsible for secreting hormones.
False
