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Glossary
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adrenal cortex - the outer portion of the adrenal gland that secretes hormones that are vital to the body.
adrenal gland - the pair of adrenal glands are located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
androgen hormone - a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex which affects
the development of male characteristics.
aldosterone - a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex which affects blood
pressure and saline balance.
antidiuretic hormone (Also called vasopressin.) - a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland which helps the body conserve the right amount of water. |
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calcitonin - a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland which controls the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood.
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
corticosteroids - hormones produced by the adrenal gland, consisting of hydrocortisone (or cortisol). |
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estrogen - a group of hormones produced by the ovary, placenta, and testes that also stimulate secondary sexual characteristics in males and females. Estrogen plays an important role in a woman's menstrual cycle. |
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glucagon - a protein hormone secreted by the pancreas to stimulate the liver to produce glucose.
goiter - enlarged thyroid gland.
gonads - ovaries and testes.
gonadotropins - luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone,
produced by the pituitary gland.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) - a reversible condition that affects the nerves in the body. GBS can result in muscle weakness, pain, and even temporary paralysis of the facial, chest, and leg muscles. Paralysis of the chest muscles can lead to breathing problems. |
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hermaphrodite - a person born with both ovarian and testicular tissues and internal reproductive organs.
hormones - chemical substances created by the body that control numerous
body functions.
hydrocortisone - a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex which affects
metabolism.
hypothalamus - located in the brain, at the base of the optic chiasm. The hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite, and blood pressure. |
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insulin - a hormone released by the pancreas in response to increased levels of sugar in the blood.
intravenous - introducing a fluid into the bloodstream through a vein (usually in the patient's forearm).
isthmus - tissue that connects the two lobes of the thyroid. |
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kidney - the pair of kidneys are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys process the blood to sift out waste products and extra water. This waste and extra water becomes urine, which is stored in the bladder. |
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
metabolism - the chemical activity that occurs in cells, releasing energy from nutrients, or using energy to create other substances, such as proteins. |
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osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) - a genetic disorder that is also characterized by easily fractured bones.
osteoporosis - a progressive condition in which bone density is lost, or there is insufficient bone formation.
ovary - a female's ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus, below the opening of the fallopian tubes (tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries). In addition to containing the egg cells necessary for reproduction, the ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone.
oxytocin - a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland which plays a role in childbirth. |
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pancreas - located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas plays a role in digestion, as well as hormone production.
parathyroid glands - located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The parathyroid glands play a role in the regulation of the body's calcium balance.
pineal body - located below the corpus callosum, a part of the brain. The pineal body produces the hormone melatonin.
pituitary gland - located at the base of the brain. No larger than a pea, the gland controls many functions of the other endocrine glands.
placenta - organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy and connects the blood supplies of the mother and baby.
polyp - a growth that projects from the lining of mucous membrane, such as the intestine.
progesterone - a hormone secreted by the ovaries which affects many
aspects of the female body, including menstrual cycles and pregnancy.
prolactin - a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland which affects growth
of the mammary (related to the breasts) glands. |
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radioisotope scan - uses radioactive substances introduced into the body to create an image of the functioning adrenal gland. |
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sarcoidosis - a rare inflammation of the lymph nodes and other tissues
throughout the body.
suprarenal glands - another name for the adrenal glands. |
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testis - a male's testes are located in a pouch that hangs suspended outside his body. The testes produce testosterone and sperm.
thymus - located in the upper part of the chest and produces T-lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells).
thyroid - located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid plays an important role in the body's metabolism and also plays a role in the regulation of the body's calcium balance.
thyroid scan - uses a radioactive substance to create an image of the thyroid as it is functioning.
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) - a hormone that helps to increase the size, number, and activity of the thyroid cells; stimulates the release of hormones that affect a person's metabolism and that are essential for normal growth and development.
thyroxine (T4) - a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland which regulates metabolism.
triiodothyronine (T3) - a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland which regulates metabolism; exerts the same biological effects as thyroxine, but is generally more potent and the onset of its effect is more rapid. |
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ultrasound - a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. |
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x-ray - electromagnetic energy used to produce images of bones and internal organs onto film. |
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