Medical Terminology Ch. 16

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the endocrine system?

Regulating body activities (correct)

Producing electrical impulses

Carrying secretions through ducts

None of the above

What is the size of the pituitary gland and where is it located?

Approximately the size of a pea at the base of the brain.

What hormones are produced by the anterior lobe?

GH, ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH, PRL

What is the role of growth hormone (GH)?

Regulates the growth of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What does adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulate?

The adrenal cortex. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

Stimulates the thyroid gland. Signup and view all the answers

What are gonadotropic hormones responsible for?

Stimulating the gonads. Signup and view all the answers

What does prolactin (PRL) promote?

Development of glandular tissue during pregnancy and milk production after birth. Signup and view all the answers

What hormones does the posterior lobe store and release?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?

Stimulates the kidney to reabsorb water and constricts blood vessels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of oxytocin?

Stimulates uterine contractions and milk let down. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the hypothalamus located?

Superior to the pituitary gland in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What hormones does the thyroid gland secrete?

Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of parathyroid hormones (PTH)?

Helps maintain the level of calcium in the blood. Signup and view all the answers

What are the islets of Langerhans?

Clusters of endocrine tissue found in the pancreas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the adrenal glands?

They secrete cortisol, aldosterone, and epinephrine. Signup and view all the answers

What is cortisol and its main function?

A hormone that aids during stress by increasing glucose levels. Signup and view all the answers

What does aldosterone regulate?

Electrolytes necessary for normal body function. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine?

Increase blood pressure, heartbeat, and respirations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrine System Overview

Composed of glands that regulate bodily functions through hormones.
Major glands include: pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads, and thymus.
Functions include regulating metabolism, growth, and development.
Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream, classified as ductless glands.

Pituitary Gland

Size of a pea and positioned at the base of the brain.
Divided into anterior and posterior lobes; known as the "master gland" for its role in stimulating other endocrine glands.

Anterior Lobe

Produces key hormones:
- Growth hormone (GH) for body growth.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to stimulate the adrenal cortex.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) for thyroid activity.
- Gonadotropic hormones (FSH and LH) for gonadal function.
- Prolactin (PRL) for milk production post-birth.

Secreted Hormones

Growth Hormone (GH): Regulates overall body growth.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Targets adrenal gland to spur hormone production.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Initiates thyroid gland hormone secretion.
Gonadotropic Hormones: FSH and LH influence reproductive organs.
Prolactin (PRL): Supports milk production and glandular development during pregnancy.

Posterior Lobe

Stores and releases:
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Aids kidney water reabsorption and constricts blood vessels.
- Oxytocin: Stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Hypothalamus

Located above the pituitary gland; controls hormone release via "releasing" hormones that influence the pituitary.

Thyroid Gland

The largest endocrine gland located in the neck, below the larynx.
Produces triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), essential for metabolism; requires iodine for hormone production.

Parathyroid Glands

Four small glands on the thyroid's posterior, producing parathyroid hormone (PTH).
PTH regulates blood calcium levels impacting bones and kidneys.

Pancreas

Contains islets of Langerhans, clusters of endocrine cells that produce insulin and glucagon for glucose metabolism.
Exocrine cells produce digestive enzymes.

Adrenal Glands

Located atop each kidney, divided into cortex (outer) and medulla (inner).
Secretes hormones:
- Cortisol: Energy regulation during stress.
- Aldosterone: Maintains electrolyte balance in the body.
- Epinephrine and Norepinephrine (Adrenaline and Noradrenaline): Increase blood pressure and heart rate during stress.

Key Hormones from Adrenal Glands

Cortisol: Increases glucose levels for energy during stressful situations (also called hydrocortisone).
Aldosterone: Essential for regulating electrolytes necessary for normal bodily function.
Epinephrine: Increases physical readiness (fight or flight response).
Norepinephrine: Works with epinephrine in stress response management.

This concise overview encompasses essential components of the endocrine system, summarizing the functions and characteristics of its glands and hormones.

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Explore the essential concepts of the endocrine system in this quiz. Learn about various glands such as the pituitary and thyroid, and their role in regulating body activities through hormones. This is an excellent resource for mastering the terminology related to endocrine glands and hormones.