1. |
acromegaly
|
disorder in adults caused when abnormally high levels of GH trigger growth of bones in the face, hands,
and feet |
2. |
adenylyl cyclase
|
membrane-bound enzyme that converts ATP to cyclic AMP, creating cAMP, as a result of G-protein activation |
3. |
adrenal cortex
|
outer region of the adrenal glands consisting of multiple layers of epithelial cells and capillary
networks that produces mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids |
4. |
adrenal glands
|
endocrine glands located at the top of each kidney that are important for the regulation of the stress
response, blood pressure and blood volume, water homeostasis, and electrolyte levels |
5. |
adrenal medulla
|
inner layer of the adrenal glands that plays an important role in the stress response by producing
epinephrine and norepinephrine |
6. |
adrenocorticotropic hormone
|
(ACTH) anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroid hormones
(also called corticotropin) |
7. |
alarm reaction
|
the short-term stress, or the fight-or-flight response, of stage one of the general adaptation syndrome
mediated by the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine |
8. |
aldosterone
|
hormone produced and secreted by the adrenal cortex that stimulates sodium and fluid retention and
increases blood volume and blood pressure |
9. |
alpha cell
|
pancreatic islet cell type that produces the hormone glucagon |
10. |
angiotensin-converting enzyme
|
the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II |
11. |
antidiuretic hormone
|
(ADH) hypothalamic hormone that is stored by the posterior pituitary and that signals the kidneys to
reabsorb water |
12. |
atrial natriuretic peptide
|
(ANP) peptide hormone produced by the walls of the atria in response to high blood pressure, blood
volume, or blood sodium that reduces the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys and promotes
vasodilation |
13. |
autocrine
|
chemical signal that elicits a response in the same cell that secreted it |
14. |
beta cell
|
pancreatic islet cell type that produces the hormone insulin |
15. |
calcitonin
|
peptide hormone produced and secreted by the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid gland that
functions to decrease blood calcium levels |
16. |
chromaffin
|
neuroendocrine cells of the adrenal medulla |
17. |
colloid
|
viscous fluid in the central cavity of thyroid follicles, containing the glycoprotein thyroglobulin |
18. |
cortisol
|
glucocorticoid important in gluconeogenesis, the catabolism of glycogen, and downregulation of the
immune system |
19. |
cyclic adenosine monophosphate
|
(cAMP) second messenger that, in response to adenylyl cyclase activation, triggers a phosphorylation cascade |
20. |
delta cell
|
minor cell type in the pancreas that secretes the hormone somatostatin |
21. |
diabetes mellitus
|
condition caused by destruction or dysfunction of the beta cells of the pancreas or cellular resistance
to insulin that results in abnormally high blood glucose levels |
22. |
diacylglycerol
|
(DAG) molecule that, like cAMP, activates protein kinases, thereby initiating a phosphorylation cascade |
23. |
downregulation
|
decrease in the number of hormone receptors, typically in response to chronically excessive levels of
a hormone |
24. |
endocrine gland
|
tissue or organ that secretes hormones into the blood and lymph without ducts such that they may be
transported to organs distant from the site of secretion |
25. |
endocrine system
|
cells, tissues, and organs that secrete hormones as a primary or secondary function and play an integral
role in normal bodily processes |
26. |
epinephrine
|
primary and most potent catecholamine hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to short-term
stress; also called adrenaline |
27. |
erythropoietin
|
(EPO) protein hormone secreted in response to low oxygen levels that triggers the bone marrow to
produce red blood cells |
28. |
estrogens
|
class of predominantly female sex hormones important for the development and growth of the female
reproductive tract, secondary sex characteristics, the female reproductive cycle, and the maintenance
of pregnancy |
29. |
exocrine system
|
cells, tissues, and organs that secrete substances directly to target tissues via glandular ducts |
30. |
first messenger
|
hormone that binds to a cell membrane hormone receptor and triggers activation of a second messenger system |