The Endocrine System

1.

Match the terms 1-20 with their definitions a-t:

16. prolactin

p.

1.
2.

acromegaly
calcitriol

17. testosterone

q.

3.

cholesterol

18. tetany

r.

19. thymus

s.

20. thyroid

t.

4.

gland

5.

glucagon

6.

goitre

7.

hormone

8.

immunosuppression

9.

infundibulum

10. insulin
11. islet
12. isthmus

13. melatonin

14. pancreas
15. progesterone

a.
b.

a form of vitamin D
cell in the pancreas which secretes the
hormones, insulin and gastrin
c. disease caused by excessive quantities of
growth hormone produced by the pituitary
gland, causing a slow enlargement of the
hands, feet and jaws in adults
d. endocrine gland in the front part of the top
of the thorax, behind the breastbone
e. endocrine gland in the neck, which is
activated by the pituitary gland and secretes
a hormone which regulates the bodys
metabolism
f. excessive enlargement of the thyroid gland,
seen as a swelling round the neck, caused by
a lack of iodine
g. fatty substance found in fats and oils, also
produced by the liver and forming an
essential part of all cells
h. gland which lies across the back of the body
between the kidneys
i. hormone produced by the pineal gland
during the hours of darkness
j. hormone produced in the pancreas
k. hormone secreted by the pituitary gland
which stimulates the production of milk
l. hormone secreted in the pancreas which
increases the level of blood sugar by
stimulating the breakdown of glycogen
m. hormone which is produced in the second
part of the menstrual cycle by the corpus
luteum and which stimulates the formation
of the placenta if an ovum is fertilised
n. male sex hormone, secreted in the testes
o. narrow band of tissue joining two larger
masses of similar tissue

2.

organ in the body containing cells that

secrete substances such as hormones, sweat
or saliva which act elsewhere
spasms of the muscles in the feet and hands,
caused by a reduction in the level of calcium
in the blood or by lack of carbon dioxide
stem which attaches the pituitary gland to
the hypothalamus
substance which is produced by one part of
the body and is carried to another part of the
body by the bloodstream where it has
particular effects or functions
the suppression of the bodys natural
immune system so that it will not reject a
transplanted organ

Use ONE word to fill in gaps 21-40:

The endocrine system consists 21. ...... a group of glands that produces
regulatory chemicals called hormones. The endocrine system and the nervous system
work together 22. ...... control and coordinate all other systems of the body. The nervous
system controls 23. ...... rapid actions as muscle movement and intestinal activity 24. ......
means of electrical and chemical stimuli. The effects of the endocrine system occur more
slowly and over a 25. ...... period. They involve chemical stimuli only, and these chemical
messengers 26. ...... widespread effects on the body. Although the nervous and endocrine
systems differ 27. ...... some respects, the two systems 28. ...... closely related. For
example, the activity of the pituitary gland, which 29. ...... turn regulates other glands, is
controlled by the brains hypothalamus.
The connections between the nervous system and the endocrine system enable
endocrine function 30. ...... adjust to the demands of 31. ...... changing environment.
Hormones from the endocrine glands are released directly 32. ...... the bloodstream, which
carries them to all parts of the body. They regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, and
behaviour. Some hormones affect many tissues, for example, growth hormone, thyroid
hormone, and insulin. Others affect 33. ...... specific tissues. The specific tissue acted 34.
...... by each hormone is the target tissue. The cells that make 35. ...... these tissues have
receptors in the plasma membrane or within the cytoplasm to 36. ...... the hormone
attaches. Once a hormone binds to a receptor on or in a target cell, it affects cell activities,
regulating the manufacture of proteins, changing the permeability of the membrane, or
1

The Endocrine System

affecting metabolic reactions. Chemically, hormones fall 37. ...... two main categories.
Amino acid compounds are proteins or related compounds also made of amino acids. All
hormones except 38. ...... of the adrenal cortex and the sex glands fall into this category.
Steroids are types of lipids derived 39. ...... the steroid cholesterol. Steroid hormones are
produced 40. ...... the adrenal cortex and the sex glands.
3.

Choose the best option to fill in gaps 41-50:

The 41. ...... of each hormone that is secreted is normally kept within a specific
42. ...... . Negative feedback is the method most commonly used to 43. ...... these levels.
In negative feedback, the hormone itself, or the result of its action, controls further
hormone secretion.
Each endocrine gland tends to oversecrete its hormone, exerting more 44. ...... on
the target tissue. When the target tissue becomes too 45. ...... , there is a negative effect on
the endocrine gland, which then decreases its secretory action. For instance, a pituitary
hormone, called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triggers secretion of hormones from
the thyroid gland located in the neck. As blood levels of these hormones 46. ...... under
the effects of TSH, they act as negative feedback messengers to inhibit TSH release from
the pituitary. With less TSH, the thyroid releases less hormone and blood levels 47. ...... .
When hormone levels fall below the normal range, the pituitary can again begin
to release TSH. This is a typical example of the kind of self-regulating system that keeps
hormone levels within a set normal range. Less commonly, some hormones are produced
in response to positive 48. ...... . In this case, response to a hormone promotes further
hormone release. Examples are the action of oxytocin during labour and the release of
some hormones in the menstrual 49. ...... . The release of hormones may fall into a
rhythmic 50. ...... . Hormones of the adrenal cortex follow a 24-hour cycle related to a
persons sleeping pattern, with the level of secretion greatest just before arising and least
at bedtime.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.

A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.

amount
choice
order
result
lively
rise
crash
feedback
cycle

B.
B.
B.
B.
B.
B.
B.
B.
B.

total
array
regulate
effect
vigorous
raise
descend
reaction
succession

C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.

sum
range
legalise
consequence
active
ascend
drop
view
sequence

50.

4.

A. sample

B. pattern

C. model

Use the words in the box to fill in gaps 51-65:

capillaries
master
release
stimulated

cherry
messengers
secretions
stored

controls
pathway
sphenoid
suppress

delivers
production
stalk

The pituitary, or hypophysis, is a small gland about the size of a 51. ...... . It is
located in a saddle-like depression of the 52. ...... bone just posterior to the point where
the optic nerves cross. It is surrounded by bone except where it connects with the
hypothalmus of the brain by a 53. ...... called the infundibulum. The gland is divided into
two parts, the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The pituitary is often called the 54. ......
gland because it releases hormones that affect the working of other glands, such as the
thyroid, gonads, and adrenal glands. However, the pituitary itself is controlled by the
hypothalamus, which sends 55. ...... and nerve impulses to the pituitary through the
infundibulum.
The hormones produced in the anterior pituitary are not released until chemical
56. ...... called releasing hormones arrive from the hypothalamus. These releasing
hormones travel to the anterior pituitary by way of a special type of circulatory 57. ......
called a portal system. By this circulatory detour, some of the blood that leaves the
hypothalamus travels to 58. ...... in the anterior pituitary before returning to the heart. As
the blood circulates through the capillaries, it 59. ...... the hormones that stimulate the
release of anterior pituitary secretions. Hypothalamic releasing hormones are indicated
with the abbreviation RH added to an abbreviation for the name of the hormone 60. ...... .
For example, the releasing hormone that 61. ...... growth hormone is GHRH.
Two anterior pituitary hormones are also regulated by inhibiting hormones (IH)
from the hypothalamus. Inhibiting hormones 62. ...... both growth hormone, which
stimulates growth and metabolism, and prolactin, which stimulates milk 63. ...... in the
mammary glands. These inhibiting hormones are abbreviated GHIH (growth hormoneinhibiting hormone) and PIH (prolactin-inhibiting hormone). The two hormones of the
posterior pituitary (antidiuretic hormone, or ADH, and oxytocin) are actually produced in
the hypothalamus and 64. ...... in the posterior pituitary. Their 65. ...... is controlled by
nerve impulses that travel over pathways between the hypothalamus and the posterior
pituitary.
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The Endocrine System

5.

For gaps 66-80 use the word in brackets to make a new one that fits in the gap:

The effects of pituitary tumours depend on the cell types in the excess tissue.
Some of these tumours contain an 66. ...... (EXCESS) number of the cells that produce
growth hormone. A person who develops such a tumour in 67. ...... (CHILD) will grow to
an abnormally tall stature, a condition called gigantism. Although people with this
condition are large, they are usually very weak. If the growth hormone producing cells
become overactive in the adult, a disorder known as acromegaly develops. In acromegaly,
the bones of the face, hands, and feet 68. ...... (WIDE).
The fingers resemble a spatula, and the face takes on a coarse 69. ......
(APPEAR): the nose widens, the lower jaw protrudes, and the forehead bones may bulge.
Multiple body systems may be affected by acromegaly, including the cardiovascular and
nervous systems. Tumours may destroy the secreting tissues of the pituitary so that signs
of underactivity develop. Patients with this condition often become obese and sluggish
and may exhibit signs of underactivity of other endocrine glands that are controlled by the
pituitary, such as the ovaries, testes, or thyroid.
Pituitary tumours also may involve the optic nerves and cause 70. ...... (BLIND).
Evidence of tumour formation in the pituitary gland may be obtained by radiographic 71.
...... (EXAMINE) of the skull. The 72. ...... (PRESS) of the tumour distorts the sella
turcica, the saddle-like space in the sphenoid bone that holds the pituitary. Computed
tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are also used to diagnose
pituitary 73 ...... (NORMAL).
The thyroid, located in the neck, is the 74. ...... (LARGE) of the endocrine
glands. The thyroid has two 75. ...... (ROUGH) oval lateral lobes on either side of the
larynx connected by a narrow band called an isthmus. A connective tissue capsule 76.
...... (CLOSE) the entire gland. The thyroid produces two hormones that regulate
metabolism. The principal hormone is thyroxine, which is 77. ...... (SYMBOL) as T4,
based on the number of iodine atoms in each molecule. The other hormone, which
contains three atoms of iodine, is triiodothyronine or T3. These hormones function to
increase the rate of metabolism in body cells. In particular, they increase energy
metabolism and protein metabolism. Both thyroid hormones and growth hormone are
needed for normal growth.
The thyroid gland needs an adequate supply of iodine to produce its hormones.
Iodine 78. ...... (DEFICIENT) is rare now due to widespread 79. ...... (AVAILABLE) of
this mineral in 80. ...... (IODINE) salt, vegetables, seafood, dairy products, and processed
foods. Another hormone produced by the thyroid gland is calcitonin which is active in
calcium metabolism. Calcitonin lowers the amount of calcium circulating in the blood by

promoting the deposit of calcium in bone tissue. Calcitonin works with parathyroid
hormone and with vitamin D to regulate calcium metabolism.
6.

Use ONE word to fill in gaps 81-95:

A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, 81. ...... may or may not be
associated with overproduction of hormone. A simple goitre is the uniform overgrowth of
the thyroid gland, with a smooth surface appearance. An adenomatous, or nodular, goitre
is an irregular-appearing goitre accompanied by tumour formation. 82. ...... various
reasons, the thyroid gland may become 83. ...... underactive or overactive.
Underactivity of the thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, shows up as two
characteristic states related 84. ...... age: infantile hypothyroidism and myxoedema.
Infantile hypothyroidism, also known as cretinism, is a condition resulting 85. ......
hypothyroidism in infants and children. The usual cause is a failure of the thyroid gland
to form during foetal development. 86. ...... infant suffers lack of physical growth and
lack of mental development. Early and continuous treatment 87. ...... replacement
hormone can alter the outlook of this disease. Myxoedema results from thyroid atrophy in
the adult. The patient becomes sluggish 88. ...... mentally and physically and often feels
cold. The hair becomes dry and the skin becomes dry and waxy. The tissues of the face
swell. Because thyroid hormone can be administered orally, the patient with myxoedema
regains health easily, although treatment must be maintained 89. ...... life.
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite 90. ...... hypothyroidism, that is, overactivity of
the thyroid gland with excessive secretion of hormone. A common form of
hyperthyroidism is Graves disease, 91. ...... is characterised by a goitre, a strained
appearance of the face, intense nervousness, weight loss, a rapid pulse, sweating, tremors,
and an abnormally quick metabolism. Another characteristic symptom is protrusion of the
eyes, known as exophthalmos, which is caused by swelling of the tissue behind the eyes.
An exaggerated form of hyperthyroidism 92. ...... a sudden onset is called a thyroid storm.
Untreated, 93. ...... is usually fatal, but with appropriate care, most affected people can 94.
...... saved. Thyroiditis is a general term meaning inflammation of the thyroid. The cause
may be infection or autoimmunity, that is, abnormal production of antibodies to the
thyroid gland. Hashimoto disease is an autoimmune thyroiditis that may be hereditary and
may also involve excess intake of iodine. The disease results 95. ...... enlargement of the
thyroid and hypothyroidism. It is treated with thyroid hormone replacement and, in some
cases, surgery.

The Endocrine System

7.

For gaps 96-100 choose from the endings A-H. There are three extra endings:

The four tiny parathyroid glands are embedded in the posterior capsule of the
thyroid. The secretion of these glands, parathyroid hormone (PTH), promotes calcium
release from bone tissue, thus increasing the amount of calcium circulating in the
bloodstream. PTH also causes the kidney 96. ...... . Low PTH, as may be caused by
removal of the parathyroids, results in muscle spasms known as tetany. PTH works with
calcitonin from the thyroid gland 97. ...... .
These hormone levels are controlled by negative feedback based on the amount
of calcium in the blood. When calcium is high, calcitonin is produced; when calcium is
low, PTH is produced. Calcium balance is required not only for the health of bones and
teeth but also for the proper function of the nervous system and muscles. One other
hormone is needed for calcium balance in addition to calcitonin and PTH. This is
calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol is produced by modification of vitamin
D in the liver and then the kidney. It increases intestinal absorption of calcium to raise
blood calcium levels.
Calcitonin, PTH, and calcitriol work together 98. ...... . Inadequate production of
parathyroid hormone, as a result of removal or damage to the parathyroid glands, for
example, causes a series of muscle contractions involving particularly the hands and face.
These spasms are due to a low concentration of blood calcium. In contrast, if there is
excess production of PTH, as may happen in tumours of the parathyroid glands, calcium
is removed from its normal storage place in the bones and released into the bloodstream.
The loss of calcium from the bones leads 99. ...... . Because the kidneys
ultimately excrete the calcium, the formation of kidney stones is common in such cases.
The adrenals are two small glands located atop the kidneys. Each adrenal gland has two
parts that act as separate glands. The inner area is called the medulla, and the outer
portion is called the cortex. The hormones of the adrenal medulla are released in response
100. ...... .
The principal hormone produced by the medulla is epinephrine. Another
hormone released from the adrenal medulla, norepinephrine, is closely related chemically
and is similar in its actions to epinephrine. When released from nerve endings instead of
being released directly into the bloodstream, they function as neurotransmitters.
A.
B.
C.
D.

to conserve calcium
to fragile bones that fracture easily
to regulate calcium metabolism
to regulate the amount of calcium in the blood and provide calcium for bone
maintenance and other functions

E.
F.
G.
H.

to send them to the other glands of the system

to stimulation by the sympathetic nervous system
to store it in the adipose tissue
to suppress the activity of neighbouring glands

8.

For gaps 101-115 make a new word from the one in capitals:

Scattered throughout the pancreas are small groups of specialised cells called
islets, also known as islets of Langerhans. These cells make up the endocrine portion of
the pancreas. The cells surrounding the islets secrete digestive juices. They make up the
exocrine portion of the pancreas, which is 101. ..... (DEPENDENT) of the islets and
secretes through ducts into the small intestine.
The most important hormone secreted by the islets is insulin. Insulin is active in
the transport of glucose across plasma membranes, thus increasing 102. ...... (CELL)
glucose uptake. Once inside a cell, glucose is metabolised for energy. Insulin also
increases the rate at which the liver takes up glucose and converts it to glycogen and the
rate at which the liver changes excess glucose into fatty acids, which can then be
converted to fats and stored in adipose tissue. Through these actions, insulin has the
effect of 103. ...... (LOW) the blood sugar level. Insulin has other metabolic effects as
well. It promotes the cellular uptake of amino acids and stimulates the manufacture of
these amino acids into proteins.
A second hormone produced by the islet cells is glucagon, which works with
insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Glucagon causes the liver to release stored glucose
into the bloodstream. Glucagon also increases the rate at which glucose is made from
proteins in the liver. In these two ways, glucagon increases blood sugar. When the
pancreatic islet cells fail to produce enough insulin or body cells do not respond to the
insulin, glucose is not available to the cells to be 104. ...... (OXIDE) for energy. Instead,
the sugar remains in the blood and then must be removed by the kidneys and excreted in
the urine. This condition, called diabetes mellitus, is the most common endocrine
disorder.
Diabetes can be of two types: insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent
diabetes. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is less common but more severe. This
disease usually appears before the age of 30 years and is brought on by an 105. ......
(IMMUNE) destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the islets. Non-insulindependent diabetes mellitus 106. ...... (CHARACTER) occurs in adults. It is typically
associated with overweight. These people retain the ability to secrete varying amounts of
insulin, depending on the severity of the disease. However, the ability of their body cells
to respond to the hormone is diminished. This disease can be controlled with diet, oral
4

The Endocrine System

medication to improve insulin production and increase its 107. ...... (EFFECT), and
weight reduction for the obese patient. Treatment with 108. ...... (INJECT) insulin may be
necessary during illness.
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy is termed 109. ...... (GESTATE)
diabetes. This form of diabetes usually disappears after childbirth, although it may be a
sign that diabetes mellitus will develop later in life. It usually affects women with a
family history of diabetes, those who are obese, or who are of older age. Diagnosis and
treatment are important because of a high risk of complications for both the mother and
the foetus. Diabetes may also develop in association with other disorders, including
pancreatic disease or other endocrine disorders.
Viral infections, toxic chemicals in the environment and drugs may also be
involved. Typical signs of diabetes are excess thirst, excess urination, and excess eating,
all brought on by high glucose in the blood and 110. ...... (NORMAL) metabolism. The
disease is diagnosed by measuring blood glucose levels with or without fasting and by
monitoring blood glucose levels after oral administration of glucose. Careful 111. ......
(MANAGE) of diabetes can reduce the 112. ...... (SEVERE) of long-term complications.
Patients must follow their prescribed diet 113. ...... (CONSISTENT), take
medication as ordered, eat at regular times, and follow a regular programme of exercise.
Patients on insulin must test their blood sugar regularly. These tests have 114. ......
(TRADITION) been done on blood obtained by a finger prick, but new devices are
available that can read the blood glucose level through the skin and even warn of a 115.
...... (SIGNIFY) change.
9.

the 121. ...... is testosterone. All male sex hormones are classified as androgens. In the
female, the hormones that most nearly parallel testosterone in their actions are the 122.
...... , produced by the ovaries. Oestrogens contribute to the development of the female
secondary sex characteristics and 123. ...... mammary gland development, the onset of
menstruation, and the development and functioning of the reproductive organs. The other
hormone produced by the ovaries, called progesterone, assists in the normal development
of 124. ...... .
The thymus gland is a 125. ...... of lymphoid tissue that lies in the upper part of
the chest superior to the heart. This gland is important in the development of 126. ...... .
Its hormone, thymosin, assists in the 127. ...... of certain white blood cells known as T
cells after they have left the thymus gland and taken up residence in lymph nodes
throughout the body.
The pineal gland is a small, 128. ...... , cone-shaped structure located posterior to
the midbrain and connected to the roof of the third ventricle. The pineal produces the
hormone melatonin during 129. ...... periods. Little hormone is produced during daylight
hours. This pattern of hormone secretion influences the regulation of sleep-wake cycles.
Melatonin also appears to delay the onset of 130. ...... .

For gaps 116-130 use the words in the box:

dark
immunity
pregnancy
stimulate

development
mass
produce
testes

facial
maturation
puberty
typify

flattened
oestrogens
ratio

The sex glands, the female ovaries and the male testes, not only 116. ...... the sex
cells but also are important endocrine organs. The hormones produced by these organs
are needed in the 117. ...... of the sexual characteristics, which usually appear in the early
teens, and for the maintenance of the reproductive organs once full development has been
attained. Those features that 118. ...... a male or female other than the structures directly
concerned with reproduction are termed secondary sex characteristics. They include a
deep voice and 119. ...... and body hair in males, and wider hips, breast development, and
a greater 120. ...... of fat to muscle in females. The main male sex hormone produced by
5

The Endocrine System

10. The italicised words in bold typeface 131-150 have been jumbled. Use them in
the correct position:
Stress in the form of physical injury, disease, emotional 131. headaches, and
even pleasure calls forth a specific response from the body that involves both the nervous
system and the endocrine system. The nervous system response, the fight-or-flight
response, is mediated by parts of the brain, especially the hypothalamus, and by the
sympathetic nervous system, which releases 132. diet. During stress, the hypothalamus
also triggers the 133. mass of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the anterior pituitary.
The 134. stress released from the adrenal cortex as a result of adrenocorticotropic
hormone stimulation raise the levels of glucose and other 135. priorities in the blood and
inhibit inflammation.
Growth hormone, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and insulin are also released.
These hormones help the body meet stressful 136. effects. Unchecked, however, they are
harmful to the body and may lead to such stress-related disorders as high blood pressure,
heart disease, ulcers, back pain, and 137. gonads. Cortisones decrease the immune 138.
situations, leaving the body more susceptible to infection. Although no one would enjoy
a life totally free of 139. nutrients in the form of stimulation and challenge, unmanaged
stress, or distress, has negative effects on the body. For this reason, techniques such as
biofeedback and 140. conditions to control stress are useful. The simple measures of
setting 141. response, getting adequate periods of relaxation, and getting regular
physical exercise are important in maintaining total health.
Some of the changes associated with 142. decrease, such as loss of muscle and
bone tissue, can be linked to 143. treatment in the endocrine system. The main clinical
144. changes associated with the endocrine system involve the pancreas and the thyroid.
Many elderly people develop adult-onset diabetes mellitus as a result of decreased
secretion of insulin, which is made worse by poor 145. epinephrine, inactivity, and
increased body fat. Some elderly people also show the effects of decreased thyroid
hormone secretion. Sex hormones decline during the middle-aged years in both males and
females. These changes come from decreased activity of the 146. hormones but also
involve the more basic level of the pituitary gland and the secretion of gonadotropic
hormones. Decrease in bone 147. aging leading to osteoporosis is one result of these
declines. With age, there is also a 148. release in growth hormone levels and diminished
activity of the adrenal cortex. So far, the only commonly applied 149. meditation for
endocrine failure associated with age has been sex hormone replacement therapy for
women at menopause. This supplementation has shown some beneficial 150. anxiety on
mucous membranes, the cardiovascular system, bone mass, and mental function.
6