The "Master" Gland
This pea-sized gland is often called the "master gland" because it controls many other endocrine glands.
What is the pituitary gland (or hypophysis)?
This condition is characterized by an enlargement of the thyroid gland, often caused by iodine deficiency.
What is a goiter?
This is the colored part of the eye that contains melanin
What is the iris?
Also known as the eardrum, this membrane divides the external ear from the middle ear.
What is the tympanic membrane?
This combining form means "gland".
What is aden/o?
This structure is actually part of the nervous system but produces hormones that control the pituitary gland.
What is the hypothalamus?
This medical term refers to excessive thirst, a common symptom of uncontrolled diabetes.
What is polydipsia?
This transparent, biconvex disk behind the pupil changes thickness to allow the eye to focus on objects at different distances.
What is the lens?
This snail-like bony structure in the inner ear contains the organ of Corti and is essential for hearing.
What is the cochlea?
This prefix means "normal" or "good," as seen in the term euthyroid.
What is eu-?
This hormone, stored in the posterior pituitary, prevents urine production during dehydration to maintain blood volume.
What is Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH or Vasopressin)?
This is the enlargement of extremities due to high levels of Growth Hormone (GH) occurring after puberty.
What is acromegaly?
These specialized retinal cells are stimulated by low light and identify black and white but not color.
What are rods?
These three tiny bones in the middle ear—the malleus, incus, and stapes—are the smallest in the human body.
What are the ossicles?
This combining form specifically refers to "extremities" or "height".
What is acr/o?
This hormone stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk.
What is Prolactin (PRL)?
This hormone is released by the thyroid when blood calcium levels are too high, depositing the extra calcium into the bone.
What is calcitonin?
This term describes the protrusion of the eyeball, often due to muscle swelling behind the eye.
What is exophthalmos?
This tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx to help equalize air pressure.
What is the Eustachian (or auditory) tube?
This combining form means "to secrete".
What is crin/o?
The connection between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary that allows for the transport of releasing hormones is called this.
What is portal circulation?
These cells in the pancreas are responsible for producing insulin to decrease blood glucose levels.
What are beta cells?
This specific area of the macula provides the sharpest vision when light rays focus upon it.
What is the fovea centralis?
These inner ear structures contain fluid and hair cells that are stimulated by body rotation to maintain balance.
What are the semicircular canals?
These two combining forms both refer to "sugar".
What are gluc/o and glyc/o?