Adrenal cortex
outer section of each adrenal gland; secretes cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones
Adrenal medulla
inner section of each adrenal gland; secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine
Ovaries
located in the lower abdomen of a female; responsible for egg production and estogren and progesterone secretion
Pancreas
located behind the stomach; islet (alpha and beta) cells secrete hormones from the pancreas; the pancreas also contains cells that are exocrine in function; they secrete enzymes, via a duct into the small intestine to aid digestion
Parathyroid glands
four small glands on the posterior of the thyroid gland; some people may have three or five
Pituitary gland (hypophysis)
located at the base of the brain in the sella turcica; composed of an anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and a posterior lobe (neurophyophysis); it weights only 1/16 of an ounce and is a half inch across
Testes
two glands enclosed in the scrotal sac of a male; responsible for sperm production and testosterone secretion
Thyroid gland
located in the neck on either side of the trachea; secretes thyroxine
Adrenaline (epinephrine)
secreted by the adrenal medulla; increases heart rate and blood pressure
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenophyophysis); also called adrenocorticotropin; AcTH stimulates the adrenal cortex
Aldosterone
secreted by the adrneal cortex; increases salt (sodium) reabsorption
Androgen
male hormone secreted by the testes and to a lesser extent by the adrenal cortex; testosterone is an example
Antidiuretic hormone
secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis); vasopressin increases reabsorption of water by the kidney
Calcitonin
secreted by the adrenal cortex; increases blood sugar; it is secreted in times of stress and has an anti-inflammatory effect
Epinephrine (adrenaline)
secreted by the adrenal medulla; increases heart rate and blood pressure and dilates airways (sympathomimetic); it is part of the body's "fight or flight" reaction
Estradiol
estrogen secreted by the ovaries
Estrogen
female hormone secreted by the ovaries and to a lesser extent by the adrenal cortex; i.e. estrodiol and estrone
Follicle-stimulating hormone
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); stimulates hormone secretion and egg production by the ovaries and sperm production by the testes
Glucagon
secreted by alpha islet cells of the pancreas; increases blood sugar by conversion of glycogen (starch) to glucose
Growth hormone, somatotropin
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); stimulates growth of bones and soft tissues
Insulin
secreted by beta islet cells of the pancreas; insulin helps glucose (sugar) to pass into cells, and it promotes the conversion of glucose to glycogen
Luteinizing hormone
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) stimulates ovulation in females and testosterone secretion in males
Norepinephrine
secreted by the adrenal medulla; increases heart rate and blood pressure (sympathomimetic)
Oxytocin
secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis); stimulates contraction of the uterus during labor and childbirth
Parathormone
secreted by the parathyroid glands; increases blood calcium
Progesterone
secreted by the ovaries; prepares the uterus for pregnancy
Prolactin
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); promotes milk secretion
Somatotropin
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); growht hormone
Testosterone
male hormone secreted by the testes
Thyroid-stimulating hormone; thyrotropin
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); acts on the thyroid gland to promote its functioning
Thyroxine
secreted by the thyroid gland; also called tetraiodothyronine; increases metabolism in cells
Triiodothyronine
secreted by the thyroid gland; increases metabolism in cells
Vasopressin
secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis); antidiuretic hormone
Catecholamines
hormones derived from an amino acid and secreted by the adrenal medulla; i.e. epinephrine
Corticosteroids
hormones (steroids) produced by the adrenal cortex; i.e. cortisol 9raises sugar levels); aldosterone (raises salt reabsorption by kidneys), and androgens and estrogens (sex hormones)
Electrolyte
mineral salt found in the blood and tissues and necessary for proper functioning of cells; potassium, sodium, and calcium are elecrolytes
Glucocorticoid
steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex; regulates glucose, fat, and protein metabolism; cortisol raises blood sugar and is part of the stress response
Homeostasis
tendency of an organism to maintain a constant internal environment
Hormone
substance, secreted by an endocrine gland, that travels through the blood to a distant organ or gland where it influences the structure or function of that organ or gland
Hypothalamus
region of the brain lying below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland; it secretes releasing factors and hormones that affect the pituitary gland
Mineralocorticoid
steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex to regulate mineral salts (electrolytes) and water balance in the body; i.e. aldosterone
Receptor
cellular or nuclear protein that binds to a hormone so that a response can be elicited
Sella turcica
cavity in the skull that contains the pituitary gland
Sex hormones
steroids (androgens and estrogens) produced by the adrenal cortex to influence male and female seual characteristics
Steroid
complex substance related to fats 9derived from a sterol, such as cholesterol), and of which many hormones are made; i.e. estrogens, androgens, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids
Sympathomimetic
pertaining to mimicking or copying the effect of the sympathetic nervous system; adrenaline is a sympathomimetic hormone (it raises blood pressure and heart rate and dilates airways)
Target tissue
cells of an organ that are affected or stimulated by specific hormones
Fasting plasma glucose
also known as fasting blood sugar test; measures circulating glucose level of a patient who has fasted at least 8 hours
Serum and urine tests
measurement of hormones, electrolytes, glucose, and other substances in serum (blood) and urine as indicators of endocrine function
Thyroid function tests
measurement of T3, T4, and TSH in the bloodstream
Exophthalmometry
measurement of eyeball protrusion (as in Graves disease) with an exophthalmometer
Computed tomography scan
x-ray imaging of endocrine glands in cross section and other views, to assess size and infiltration by tumor
Magnetic resonance imaging
magnetic waves produce images of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to locate abnormalities
Radioactive iodine uptake scan
radioactive iodine is administered orally, and its uptake by the thyroid gland is imaged to assess thyroid function
Thyroid scan
scanner detects radioactivity and visualizes the thyroid gland after intravenous administration of a radioactive (technitium) compound
Ultrasound examination
sound waves show images of endocrine organs
Hyperthyroidism
over activity of the thyroid gland; thyrotoxicosis
Hypothyroidism
under activity of the thyroid gland
Thyroid carcinoma
cancer of the thyroid gland
Hyperparathyroidism
excessive production of parathormone
Hypoparathyroidism
deficient production of parathyroid hormone
Adrenal virilism
excessive secretion of adrenal androgens
Cushing syndrome
group of signs and symptoms produced by excess cortisol from the adrenal cortex
Addison disease
hypofunctioning of the adrenal cortex
Pheochromocytoma
benign tumor of the adrenal medulla; tumor cells stain a dark or dusky colour
Hyperinsulinism
excess secretion of insulin causing hypoglycemia
Diabetes mellitus
lack of insulin secretion or resistance of insulin in promoting sugar, starch, and fat metabolism in cells
Acromegaly
hypersecretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary after puberty, leading to enlargement of extremities
Gigantism
hypersecretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary before puberty, leading to abnormal overgrowth of body tissues
Dwarfism
congenital hyposecretion of growth hormone; hypopituitary dwarfism
Panhypopituitarism
deficiency of all pituitary hormones
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH
excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone
Diabetes insipidus
insufficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)
Adrenal cortex
outer section of each adrenal gland; secretes cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones
Adrenal medulla
inner section of each adrenal gland; secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine
Ovaries
located in the lower abdomen of a female; responsible for egg production and estogren and progesterone secretion
Pancreas
located behind the stomach; islet (alpha and beta) cells secrete hormones from the pancreas; the pancreas also contains cells that are exocrine in function; they secrete enzymes, via a duct into the small intestine to aid digestion
Parathyroid glands
four small glands on the posterior of the thyroid gland; some people may have three or five
Pituitary gland (hypophysis)
located at the base of the brain in the sella turcica; composed of an anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and a posterior lobe (neurophyophysis); it weights only 1/16 of an ounce and is a half inch across
Testes
two glands enclosed in the scrotal sac of a male; responsible for sperm production and testosterone secretion
Thyroid gland
located in the neck on either side of the trachea; secretes thyroxine
Adrenaline (epinephrine)
secreted by the adrenal medulla; increases heart rate and blood pressure
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenophyophysis); also called adrenocorticotropin; AcTH stimulates the adrenal cortex
Aldosterone
secreted by the adrneal cortex; increases salt (sodium) reabsorption
Androgen
male hormone secreted by the testes and to a lesser extent by the adrenal cortex; testosterone is an example
Antidiuretic hormone
secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis); vasopressin increases reabsorption of water by the kidney
Calcitonin
secreted by the adrenal cortex; increases blood sugar; it is secreted in times of stress and has an anti-inflammatory effect
Epinephrine (adrenaline)
secreted by the adrenal medulla; increases heart rate and blood pressure and dilates airways (sympathomimetic); it is part of the body's "fight or flight" reaction
Estradiol
estrogen secreted by the ovaries
Estrogen
female hormone secreted by the ovaries and to a lesser extent by the adrenal cortex; i.e. estrodiol and estrone
Follicle-stimulating hormone
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); stimulates hormone secretion and egg production by the ovaries and sperm production by the testes
Glucagon
secreted by alpha islet cells of the pancreas; increases blood sugar by conversion of glycogen (starch) to glucose
Growth hormone, somatotropin
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); stimulates growth of bones and soft tissues
Insulin
secreted by beta islet cells of the pancreas; insulin helps glucose (sugar) to pass into cells, and it promotes the conversion of glucose to glycogen
Luteinizing hormone
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) stimulates ovulation in females and testosterone secretion in males
Norepinephrine
secreted by the adrenal medulla; increases heart rate and blood pressure (sympathomimetic)
Oxytocin
secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis); stimulates contraction of the uterus during labor and childbirth
Parathormone
secreted by the parathyroid glands; increases blood calcium
Progesterone
secreted by the ovaries; prepares the uterus for pregnancy
Prolactin
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); promotes milk secretion
Somatotropin
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); growht hormone
Testosterone
male hormone secreted by the testes
Thyroid-stimulating hormone; thyrotropin
secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); acts on the thyroid gland to promote its functioning
Thyroxine
secreted by the thyroid gland; also called tetraiodothyronine; increases metabolism in cells
Triiodothyronine
secreted by the thyroid gland; increases metabolism in cells
Vasopressin
secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis); antidiuretic hormone
Catecholamines
hormones derived from an amino acid and secreted by the adrenal medulla; i.e. epinephrine
Corticosteroids
hormones (steroids) produced by the adrenal cortex; i.e. cortisol 9raises sugar levels); aldosterone (raises salt reabsorption by kidneys), and androgens and estrogens (sex hormones)
Electrolyte
mineral salt found in the blood and tissues and necessary for proper functioning of cells; potassium, sodium, and calcium are elecrolytes
Glucocorticoid
steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex; regulates glucose, fat, and protein metabolism; cortisol raises blood sugar and is part of the stress response
Homeostasis
tendency of an organism to maintain a constant internal environment
Hormone
substance, secreted by an endocrine gland, that travels through the blood to a distant organ or gland where it influences the structure or function of that organ or gland
Hypothalamus
region of the brain lying below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland; it secretes releasing factors and hormones that affect the pituitary gland
Mineralocorticoid
steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex to regulate mineral salts (electrolytes) and water balance in the body; i.e. aldosterone
Receptor
cellular or nuclear protein that binds to a hormone so that a response can be elicited
Sella turcica
cavity in the skull that contains the pituitary gland
Sex hormones
steroids (androgens and estrogens) produced by the adrenal cortex to influence male and female seual characteristics
Steroid
complex substance related to fats 9derived from a sterol, such as cholesterol), and of which many hormones are made; i.e. estrogens, androgens, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids
Sympathomimetic
pertaining to mimicking or copying the effect of the sympathetic nervous system; adrenaline is a sympathomimetic hormone (it raises blood pressure and heart rate and dilates airways)
Target tissue
cells of an organ that are affected or stimulated by specific hormones
Fasting plasma glucose
also known as fasting blood sugar test; measures circulating glucose level of a patient who has fasted at least 8 hours
Serum and urine tests
measurement of hormones, electrolytes, glucose, and other substances in serum (blood) and urine as indicators of endocrine function
Thyroid function tests
measurement of T3, T4, and TSH in the bloodstream
Exophthalmometry
measurement of eyeball protrusion (as in Graves disease) with an exophthalmometer
Computed tomography scan
x-ray imaging of endocrine glands in cross section and other views, to assess size and infiltration by tumor
Magnetic resonance imaging
magnetic waves produce images of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to locate abnormalities
Radioactive iodine uptake scan
radioactive iodine is administered orally, and its uptake by the thyroid gland is imaged to assess thyroid function
Thyroid scan
scanner detects radioactivity and visualizes the thyroid gland after intravenous administration of a radioactive (technitium) compound
Ultrasound examination
sound waves show images of endocrine organs
Hyperthyroidism
over activity of the thyroid gland; thyrotoxicosis
Hypothyroidism
under activity of the thyroid gland
Thyroid carcinoma
cancer of the thyroid gland
Hyperparathyroidism
excessive production of parathormone
Hypoparathyroidism
deficient production of parathyroid hormone
Adrenal virilism
excessive secretion of adrenal androgens
Cushing syndrome
group of signs and symptoms produced by excess cortisol from the adrenal cortex
Addison disease
hypofunctioning of the adrenal cortex
Pheochromocytoma
benign tumor of the adrenal medulla; tumor cells stain a dark or dusky colour
Hyperinsulinism
excess secretion of insulin causing hypoglycemia
Diabetes mellitus
lack of insulin secretion or resistance of insulin in promoting sugar, starch, and fat metabolism in cells
Acromegaly
hypersecretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary after puberty, leading to enlargement of extremities
Gigantism
hypersecretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary before puberty, leading to abnormal overgrowth of body tissues
Dwarfism
congenital hyposecretion of growth hormone; hypopituitary dwarfism
Panhypopituitarism
deficiency of all pituitary hormones
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH
excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone
Diabetes insipidus
insufficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)