Flashcards for:
Overview of the Endocrine System

Insulin facilitates the absorption of glucose by cells to lower blood glucose levels, and it also inhibits the breakdown of fat.

ADH reduces urine production by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, which helps maintain water balance and blood pressure.

Oxytocin and Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH, also known as vasopressin).

Erythropoietin is released by the kidneys to stimulate red blood cell production, which is crucial for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

The pancreas releases insulin, which lowers blood glucose, and glucagon, which raises blood glucose.

Oxytocin causes uterine contractions during childbirth and stimulates milk ejection during breastfeeding. It also plays a role in social bonding.

T3 is the most active form of thyroid hormone and plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, development, and catecholamine release, thus influencing metabolic rate and energy levels.

Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus triggers the release of TSH from the anterior pituitary, which then stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.

Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of salt and water in the kidneys, thereby raising blood volume and blood pressure.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) stimulates ovulation and progesterone production, while Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) promotes follicle maturation and estrogen production.

Cortisol helps manage the stress response, increases blood glucose levels, and suppresses the immune system.

Adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) are catecholamines that prepare the body for fight-or-flight response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) increases blood calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bones, reducing calcium excretion in the urine, and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines, thus opposing the actions of calcitonin which lowers blood calcium levels.

The nervous system communicates quickly and directly with short-acting signals, while the endocrine system uses slower, indirect communication via the bloodstream with long-lasting effects.

The hypothalamus acts as the master regulator of the endocrine system, producing hormones that control the release of other hormones from the pituitary gland.

Growth Hormone (GH) stimulates growth in tissues and bones and regulates various metabolic processes.