Hormone Basics
This is a chemical messenger released by glands into the bloodstream.
What is a hormone?
This “master gland” controls many other endocrine glands.
What is the pituitary gland?
This hormone lowers blood glucose levels.
What is insulin?
This type of feedback reduces hormone production once levels are sufficient.
What is negative feedback?
This disease is caused by insufficient insulin production or response.
What is diabetes mellitus?
This system works with the nervous system to regulate body functions slowly over time.
What is the endocrine system?
This gland regulates metabolism and is located in the neck.
What is the thyroid gland?
This hormone increases heart rate and prepares the body for “fight or flight.”
What is epinephrine (adrenaline)?
This type of feedback increases hormone production until a specific event occurs.
What is positive feedback?
This condition results from an overactive thyroid gland.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hormones travel through this system to reach target organs.
What is the circulatory system?
These glands sit on top of the kidneys and release adrenaline.
What are the adrenal glands?
This hormone helps regulate calcium levels in the blood and bones.
What is parathyroid hormone (PTH)?
This brain region links the nervous system to the endocrine system.
What is the hypothalamus?
This disorder results from too little growth hormone in childhood.
What is pituitary dwarfism?
This type of hormone is made from cholesterol and can pass through cell membranes easily.
What are steroid hormones?
This gland regulates blood sugar by releasing insulin and glucagon.
What is the pancreas?
This hormone controls metabolism and is produced by the thyroid.
What is thyroxine (T4)?
The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland through these types of hormones.
What are releasing and inhibiting hormones?
This condition is caused by too much cortisol production.
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
This term describes how only certain cells respond to a hormone due to specific receptors.
What is target cell specificity?
This small gland in the brain controls sleep cycles by releasing melatonin.
What is the pineal gland?
This hormone stimulates red blood cell production.
What is erythropoietin (EPO)?
This axis involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.
What is the HPA axis?
This autoimmune disease leads to the destruction of insulin-producing cells.
What is Type 1 diabetes?