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Endocrine System - Anatomy & Physiology

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  • Endocrine glands
    Glands of internal secretion that release hormones into the blood or interstitial spaces without ducts.
  • Hormone
    A chemical messenger released into the blood to be transported throughout the body.
  • Difference between endocrine and exocrine glands
    Endocrine glands secrete hormones into blood; exocrine glands secrete products into ducts.
  • Nervous vs Endocrine system effects
    Nervous system effects are rapid and brief; endocrine system effects are widespread and prolonged.
  • Four classes of hormones
    Steroids, amines, peptides/proteins, and eicosanoids.
  • Permissive hormone effect
    One hormone's effect requires prior or simultaneous exposure to another hormone.
  • Synergistic hormone effect
    Two or more hormones complement each other and are needed for full effect.
  • Antagonistic hormone effect
    One hormone's effect is opposed by another hormone.
  • Hypothalamus role in endocrine system
    The true master gland integrating nervous and endocrine systems, controlling pituitary gland.
  • Anterior pituitary gland function
    Secretes hormones regulating growth, reproduction, and metabolism.
  • Human Growth Hormone (HGH) effects
    Stimulates body growth, protein synthesis, lipolysis, and decreases glucose use.
  • Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
    Stimulates thyroid gland to secrete T3 and T4 hormones.
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
    Stimulates ovarian follicle development and estrogen secretion in females; sperm production in males.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
    Triggers ovulation and progesterone production in females; testosterone secretion in males.
  • Prolactin (PRL)
    Initiates and maintains milk production in mammary glands.
  • Oxytocin functions
    Stimulates uterine contractions during delivery and milk ejection after birth.
  • Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
    Reduces urine output by promoting water reabsorption in kidneys and raises blood pressure.
  • Thyroid hormones actions
    Regulate basal metabolic rate, oxygen use, protein synthesis, and growth.
  • Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
    Increases blood calcium by stimulating osteoclasts and enhancing calcium absorption.
  • Adrenal cortex zones and secretions
    Zona glomerulosa: mineralocorticoids; zona fasciculata: glucocorticoids; zona reticularis: gonadocorticoids.
  • Aldosterone function
    Stimulates sodium retention and potassium excretion to regulate water and electrolyte balance.
  • Glucocorticoids effects
    Regulate metabolism, increase stress resistance, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Adrenal medulla hormones
    Secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow.
  • Pancreatic islets hormone functions
    Alpha cells secrete glucagon (raises blood sugar); beta cells secrete insulin (lowers blood sugar).
  • Diabetes mellitus types
    Type I: insulin deficiency; Type II: insulin resistance, often in overweight adults.
  • Ovaries hormone functions
    Produce estrogens and progesterone for female sexual characteristics and reproduction.
  • Testes hormone functions
    Produce testosterone for sperm production and male sexual characteristics.
  • Pineal gland hormone
    Melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms and may influence seasonal affective disorder.
  • Thymus gland hormones
    Thymosin and related hormones promote T cell maturation and immune function.
  • General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
    Body's stress response with stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.