Endocrine System Overview Quiz

Glands that secrete their products, hormones, directly into the blood.

Glands that secrete their products through ducts into specific locations.

Glands that perform both exocrine and endocrine functions.

A small gland located in the brain that regulates sleep through the production of melatonin.

A region of the brain that controls various bodily functions like body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. It also plays a crucial role in releasing hormones.

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary gland to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary gland to produce growth hormone (GH).

A tumor marker, elevated in most women with breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer). CA15-3 levels rise when cancer cells over-produce the antigen. However, not all breast cancer types cause CA15-3 levels to rise due to variations in cancer cell behavior.

A tumor marker often elevated in women with ovarian cancer. Elevated levels of CA125 in the blood can be a sign of ovarian cancer.

A tumor marker found in blood that may indicate pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and other cancers. Levels may also be elevated in certain non-cancerous conditions such as pancreatitis or liver disease.

A protein found in the blood that can help detect certain types of liver cancer, known as hepatocellular carcinoma. It's also found in other medical conditions including viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and alcoholism.

A protein found in the blood that can help detect colorectal cancer in some cases. The level of CEA can also be elevated in smokers and in other conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

A hormone that regulates blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclast activity, promoting calcium reabsorption in kidneys, and decreasing calcium excretion in urine.

The outer portion of the adrenal gland, responsible for producing hormones like aldosterone and cortisol.

A mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, responsible for regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body.

A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels, managing stress responses, and controlling inflammation.

A hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake and storage in the liver, skeletal muscles, and adipose tissue.

A hormone produced by the pancreas, counteracts the effects of insulin by increasing blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver.

A protein found inside cells, responsible for storing iron. Iron is essential for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.

An essential vitamin found in foods like meat, fish, and dairy products. It is crucial for the function and development of the brain, nerves, and blood cells.

The pituitary gland is a small gland located in the brain, responsible for producing and releasing various hormones that regulate many bodily functions.

The pituitary gland is divided into two main sections: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe, each responsible for producing and releasing different hormones.

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces and releases growth hormone (GH), prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Growth hormone (GH) stimulates the growth of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues, contributing to overall body development.

Prolactin plays a crucial role in the development of the mammary glands and the production of milk.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism.

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland releases anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.

Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) helps conserve water by regulating its reabsorption in the kidneys.

Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone", stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection from the mammary glands.

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth, supports the immune system, brain, and nervous system, regulates insulin levels, aids in diabetes management, supports lung function and cardiovascular health, and plays a role in gene expression related to cancer development.

Tumor markers are substances, often proteins, produced in higher amounts by cancer cells compared to normal cells. They can be found in various bodily fluids like blood, urine, and stool, and may be used to detect cancer or monitor its progression.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein elevated in the blood of individuals with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), and may also be elevated in certain ovarian or testicular cancers.

Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) is a hormone primarily produced during pregnancy. However, elevated levels can also indicate cancers originating in the placenta (women) or testicular cancer (men).

Beta2 (ß2)-microglobulin is a protein that can be elevated in individuals with multiple myeloma or certain lymphomas.

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by C cells in the thyroid gland. Elevated levels in the blood can indicate medullary thyroid cancer.

Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) is a protein that can be elevated in women with various gynecologic conditions, including ovarian cancer, but also some benign conditions.

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein often elevated in people with cancers of the digestive tract, particularly pancreatic cancer.