Endocrine System Overview Quiz

A major regulatory system that coordinates life-sustaining responses. It is made up of several hormone-producing "endocrine glands" (e.g. pituitary and thyroid glands). These glands are ductless and release hormones directly into the bloodstream. They are found in various locations within the body.

Specialized cells that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Examples include the pituitary and thyroid glands.

Hormones act on target cells to regulate the concentration of substances in the blood, such as nutrients, water, salt, and electrolytes.

Isolated endocrine cells found in other tissues of the body, such as the G cells of the stomach which secrete gastrin. These cells also contribute to the endocrine system.

The hypothalamus is considered the control center of the endocrine system. It's a small area of the brain, about the size of a peanut, located below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland.

The hypothalamus is connected to many areas of the brain and spinal cord, particularly the limbic system and autonomic brainstem areas. These connections allow it to receive sensory information from the external environment and integrate it with internal signals.

The hypothalamus acts as an interface between the internal and external environments. It receives information about the external environment through sensory pathways and uses this information to regulate various bodily functions.

The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including stress adaptation, growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, and the regulation of water and electrolytes.

Hormones secreted by neurons in the hypothalamus that regulate the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary.

A specialized vascular system that connects the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary, allowing the rapid transport of hypothalamic hormones.

The anterior pituitary hormone whose secretion is inhibited by a hypothalamic hormone.

The primary action of a hypothalamic hypophysiotropic hormone can be inferred from its name.

A hypothalamic hormone that inhibits the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary.

The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is responsible for regulating many important bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

The anterior pituitary is the front part of the pituitary gland. It produces and releases hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

The posterior pituitary is the back part of the pituitary gland. It releases hormones that regulate water balance and blood pressure.

The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that controls the pituitary gland. It receives signals from the brain and the body and sends signals to the pituitary gland to regulate hormone release.

The hypothalamic-pituitary axis is a complex system that connects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This axis regulates many important bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

The anterior pituitary receives hormonal signals from the hypothalamus. These signals tell the anterior pituitary to produce and release hormones.

The posterior pituitary receives neural signals from the hypothalamus. These signals tell the posterior pituitary to release hormones.

The pituitary gland works with the hypothalamus to regulate many important bodily functions. They form a feedback loop system, meaning that the pituitary gland can affect the hypothalamus and vice versa.

A hormone primarily produced in the paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. It is synthesized as prohormones and transported along axons to the posterior pituitary gland. Its release is triggered by nerve impulses and occurs via exocytosis.

The hypothalamus is the central control center for the endocrine system. It secretes releasing hormones that regulate the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.

The anterior pituitary gland releases trophic hormones, which control the hormone production of other endocrine glands in the body.

The posterior pituitary gland secretes two hormones: ADH (antidiuretic hormone, also known as vasopressin) and oxytocin. It is not a true gland; it stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Negative feedback loops are essential for maintaining homeostasis in the endocrine system. They prevent excessive hormone production by inhibiting upstream hormones.

A hormone released by the hypothalamus, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release growth hormone (GH).

A hormone released by the hypothalamus, which inhibits the release of growth hormone (GH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

A hormone released by the hypothalamus, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release prolactin.

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that inhibits the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary. Also known as dopamine.

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

A hormone produced in the hypothalamus (specifically the paraventricular nucleus) and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. It induces uterine contractions during labor and stimulates milk ejection from the mammary glands.

A hormone produced in the hypothalamus (specifically the supraoptic nucleus) and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. It promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys and vasoconstriction, thereby increasing blood pressure.

These hormones are synthesized in specific nuclei of the hypothalamus: TRH, CRH, GHRH, somatostatin, PIF/PIH are made in the arcuate and paraventricular nuclei, while GnHRH is made in the pre-optic nucleus.

A system where the release of a hormone is regulated by its own product. This feedback can occur at different levels: ultrashort (inhibition of its own secretion), short (inhibition of hypothalamic hormones), and long (inhibition of hypothalamic and pituitary hormones).

A type of feedback where the release of a hormone stimulates its own production. This is seen in the female reproductive cycle leading up to ovulation.

A neuroendocrine system composed of specialized neurons (neurosecretory neurons) that produce hormones in the hypothalamus. The cell bodies of these neurons are located in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, which are part of the hypothalamus.

A hormone produced mainly in the supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. It plays a crucial role in regulating water reabsorption by the kidneys, hence its name antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It also acts as a vasoconstrictor, hence its other name (Arginine) Vasopressin (AVP).

Hypothalamic hormones that control the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland.