Endocrine System Overview

Internal secretions that directly enter the bloodstream, influencing cellular responses and regulating physiological processes.

External secretions that are released into a lumen or duct, like the GI tract, for specific functions.

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate physiological processes in the body.

The field of medicine focusing on the study and treatment of endocrine glands and hormone-related disorders.

The process of regulating hormone levels to correct imbalances related to deficiencies or excesses.

A type of endocrine dysfunction where the body produces too much of a specific hormone.

A tumor in an endocrine gland, often benign, that can lead to hormone excess.

A type of tumor that can be either benign or malignant, found in the adrenal gland and can lead to hormone excess.

A type of tumor in the pituitary gland that can cause hormone excess.

A type of benign tumor in the adrenal gland that can lead to excess aldosterone production.

A condition that results from excess cortisol in the body, often caused by an adrenal tumor.

When the body's normal feedback mechanisms that regulate hormone production fail, leading to excessive hormone secretion.

A gene that plays a role in tumor suppression, a mutation in this gene can increase risk of endocrine tumors.

A group of conditions characterized by an imbalance in the production, secretion, or action of hormones. This can lead to excess or deficiency of specific hormones, resulting in various physiological changes and health problems.

A category of endocrine disorders arising from defects in enzymes involved in hormone production. These defects can lead to deficiencies in specific hormones and excess production of others.

A specific enzyme defect in adrenal hormone production. This deficiency leads to an increase in sex hormones, a decrease in cortisol and aldosterone, and can cause various complications including salt wasting, ambiguous genitalia, and adrenal insufficiency.

A condition caused by a deficiency in the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to impaired puberty and infertility. It can be inherited or caused by environmental factors.

A condition that affects females, caused by a complete or partial absence of one or both X chromosomes, leading to a range of physical and developmental abnormalities, including short stature, heart defects, and infertility.

A specific syndrome characterized by an increase in vasopressin (ADH) production, leading to water retention and hyponatremia. It is associated with various conditions, including infections, medications, and tumors.

A condition where the body's cells become resistant to leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and energy expenditure. This can lead to increased appetite, weight gain, and metabolic complications.

A group of disorders characterized by an imbalance in hormone production or action, leading to either excess or deficiency of specific hormones. These imbalances can affect many physiological functions and require appropriate diagnosis and management.

These receptors are activated by ligands that bind to them. This binding triggers the receptor to interact with intracellular kinases, like JAKs, which activate a series of signaling pathways leading to gene transcription and protein production.

A complex of proteins that bind to DNA near the promoter region of a gene. This binding recruits various enzymes, such as histone modifying enzymes, and additional transcription factors, to increase the rate of RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription.

A family of proteins that, when activated, translocate to the nucleus and bind to specific DNA sequences, triggering the expression of target genes.

These kinases play an important role in activating STAT proteins, which in turn regulate gene transcription.

Mutations in these receptors can lead to various endocrine diseases by disrupting the normal regulation of hormones and signaling pathways.

The process by which hormones regulate the production and release of other hormones, creating a balanced system.

A decrease in thyroid hormone levels triggers an increase in the release of TRH and TSH, leading to increased thyroid hormone production and a return to normal levels.

A surge in estrogen during the menstrual cycle triggers a spike in LH release, leading to ovulation.

The release of ACTH, a stress-related hormone, increases cortisol production, which helps regulate blood pressure and immune response.

The hormone vasopressin conserves water by increasing reabsorption in the kidneys, helping to maintain blood volume and pressure.

The process where the hypothalamus stimulates the release of hormones from various glands, including the pituitary and adrenal, in response to stress.

A series of coordinated hormonal changes that occur throughout a woman's reproductive life, from puberty to menopause.

A crucial event in the menstrual cycle where the mature follicle bursts, releasing the egg.

A hormone produced by the granulosa cells in the ovaries that regulates follicular growth and inhibits FSH release.

Growth factors like EGF and IGF1 influence the follicle's responsiveness to hormones, affecting its growth and development.

A condition characterized by excess cortisol production, often caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland. It can lead to various symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, hypertension, and mood swings.

A test used to assess cortisol levels in the body. It checks the amount of cortisol in saliva collected at different times of the day, often at midnight.

A group of metabolic abnormalities including increased abdominal fat, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels. It is commonly associated with increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

A medication that blocks the production of stomach acid, often used to treat heartburn and ulcers.

A type of medication that speeds up the movement of food through the digestive tract and can be used to treat symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

A hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and plays a crucial role in ovulation. It is produced by the pituitary gland.

A test that assesses the function of the adrenal glands by stimulating the production of cortisol. It involves administering synthetic ACTH and measuring the cortisol response.

A condition characterized by low levels of cortisol, often caused by damage to the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland. It can lead to fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure.