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acromegaly
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an abnormal growth caused by overproduction of the growth hormone by the pituitary gland
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Addison’s disease
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a long-term condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone
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adenohypophysis
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anterior pituitary gland
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adrenal cortex
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the outer portion of the adrenal glands that produce hormones, which support vital body functions
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adrenal glands
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a small gland at the top of each kidney that produces steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline
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antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
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a chemical produced in the brain that causes kidneys to release less water
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cortisol
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the hormone produced by the two adrenal glands that plays an important role in stress response
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Cushing’s syndrome
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a condition in which the body overproduces the hormone cortisol
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diabetes insipidus
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a disease in which the secretion of or response to vasopressin is impaired, resulting in the production of large quantities of hypotonic urine
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endocrine system
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a messenger system of glands and organs that produce and release hormones to maintain homeostasis within the body
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glucocorticoids
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a group of steroids involved in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism that has anti-inflammatory properties
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homeostasis
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a state of balance
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hypophysis
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the pituitary gland
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hypothalamus
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a region in the forebrain that coordinates the autonomic nervous system and pituitary gland activity
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mineralocorticoids
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steroids that are involved in maintaining fluid, sodium, and potassium balance within the body
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neuroendocrine system
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the communication system between the nervous and endocrine systems
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neurohypophysis
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the posterior pituitary gland
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pituitary gland
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a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that is part of the endocrine system, also known as the master gland
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Prader-Willi syndrome
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a genetic disorder resulting in physical, mental, and behavioral problems
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renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
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a hormone system that regulates fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and systemic vascular resistance
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syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
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occurs when excessive levels of antidiuretic hormones are produced
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vasopressin
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a nonapeptide synthesized by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary, also known as ADH or human vasopressin, which helps to regulate fluid volume
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zona fasciculate
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the middle layer of the adrenal cortex
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zona glomerulosa
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the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex
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zona reticularis
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the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex