Ch 49 Introduction to the Endocrine System
Anatomy and Hormonal Regulation Examination:
Hypothalamic–Pituitary Axis Control Mechanisms,
Anterior and Posterior Pituitary Hormones (TSH,
ACTH, GH, LH, FSH, Prolactin, ADH, Oxytocin),
Adrenal Cortex and Medulla Secretions
(Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids,
Gonadocorticoids, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine),
Thyroid and Parathyroid Hormone Physiology (T3,
T4, Calcitonin, PTH), Pancreatic Islet Hormones
(Insulin, Glucagon, Somatostatin), Gonadal
Steroidogenesis (Estrogen, Progesterone,
Testosterone), Feedback Loops, Neurohormonal
Regulation, and Integrated Metabolic,
Reproductive, and Stress Response Functions Exam
Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+
Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
adenohypophysis
anterior lobe of the pituitary gland
adrenal cortex
outer portion of the adrenal gland; manufactures and secretes glusosorticoids,
mineralocorticoids, and small amounts of sex hormones
adrenal glands
glands located above the kidneys; the outer portion is the cortex, and the inner portion is the
medulla
adrenal medulla
, inner portion of the adrenal glnads; secrets epinephrine and norepiniphrine, two hormones
released in response to stress of threat to life
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
substance secreted by the pituitary that stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete corticosteroid
hormones
Corticosteroids
collective term for the glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and small amounts of sex hormones
manufactured and secreted by the adrenal cortex
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
causes the anterior pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
estrogen
hormone produced by the ovaries
feedback loop
mechanism that turns hormone production off and on; negative feedback stimulates a releasing
gland in response to a decrease inlevels while positive feedback keeps concentrations of
hormones within a stable range
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
a hormone that stimulates the development of ovum in the ovaries and the sperm in the testes
glucagon
hormone that increases blood sugar levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen into
glucose in the liver
glycogenolysis
process in which glycogen is broken down into glucose in the liver
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
triggers sexual development at the onset of puberty and contines to cause the anterior pityitary
gland to secrete lutenizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone
hormones
chemicals secreted by the endocrine glands that accelerate or slow physiologic processes