Endocrine System Overview Quiz

The release of hormones is triggered by changes in blood levels of certain chemicals, like calcium.

Hormone release is initiated by the nervous system, typically through the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

The most common stimulus for hormone release, where one endocrine gland is stimulated by a hormone from another gland.

The hypothalamus and sympathetic nervous system can override insulin release under severe stress, leading to increased blood glucose levels.

The process of removing hormones from the blood involves breakdown by enzymes, filtration by the kidneys, and processing by the liver.

Hormones can have immediate effects or require activation within target cells.

The duration of hormone effects can range from seconds to hours. Effects may decrease as blood levels drop, but some persist at low levels.

A gland located in the brain, connected to the pituitary gland by the infundibulum.

The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a master gland that controls other glands.

A part of the pituitary gland that produces growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL).

A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels by stimulating calcium deposition in bones.

A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating calcium release from bones and absorption in the intestines.

The primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland, responsible for regulating metabolism.

A critical hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, responsible for regulating sodium and potassium balance.

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, playing a crucial role in stress response and glucose regulation.

A hormone primarily secreted by the pineal gland, responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen in the liver.

A condition caused by hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone, characterized by increased blood calcium levels and bone breakdown.

A condition caused by hyposecretion of parathyroid hormone, characterized by decreased blood calcium levels and muscle spasms.

A condition caused by hypersecretion of cortisol, characterized by weight gain, muscle weakness, and high blood sugar.

Insulin is a hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas. It helps regulate blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake by cells and stimulating glycogen synthesis in the liver. Insulin is released in response to high blood glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas. Without beta cells, the pancreas cannot produce insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body develops resistance to insulin. The pancreas may still produce insulin, but the cells don't respond normally. Over time, the pancreas may not be able to produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs.

Glycosuria is a condition where excess glucose in the blood is spilled into the urine. This occurs when the kidneys cannot reabsorb all the filtered glucose. Glycosuria is a common symptom of diabetes.

Polyuria is excessive urination. This is a common symptom of diabetes because high blood glucose acts as an osmotic diuretic, pulling water into the urine.

Polydipsia is excessive thirst. In diabetes, this is often a response to the water loss caused by Polyuria.

Polyphagia is excessive hunger and food consumption. This can occur in diabetes because cells cannot take up glucose and are 'starving.' The body tries to compensate by eating more.

The pineal gland is an endocrine gland located in the brain. It produces melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.

The thymus gland is an endocrine gland located in the chest. It produces thymopoietin and thymosin, hormones that are essential for the development and maturation of T lymphocytes, which are important for immune function.

The body's second major control system that influences cell metabolism using hormones. Works alongside the nervous system to coordinate and integrate body functions.

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream, without ducts.

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, acting on target tissues.

Tissues that have receptors specifically designed to bind to a particular hormone and respond.

Hormones that can't pass through the plasma membrane (cell wall) directly, so they bind to receptors on the cell's outer surface, triggering a chain reaction inside the cell.

Hormones that can pass through the plasma membrane and bind directly to receptors inside the cell, then directly activating genes.

A mechanism used by water-soluble hormones to relay signals inside the cell, using a cascade of molecules.

A method used by lipid-soluble hormones to directly affect genes inside the cell.