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Hormones
Chemical signals secreted into the circulatory system.
Testosterone
A hormone influencing male elephant seal traits.
Endocrine System
System that secretes hormones for body regulation.
Nervous System
Network of neurons transmitting signals quickly.
Endocrine Signaling
Hormones reach targets via the bloodstream.
Local Signaling
Molecules travel short distances or by contact.
Long-Distance Signaling
Molecules travel long distances through the bloodstream.
Target Cells
Cells with specific receptors for certain hormones.
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals secreted by neurons across synapses.
Neurohormones
Hormones secreted by neurosecretory cells into blood.
Paracrine Signaling
Target cells are near the secreting cells.
Autocrine Signaling
Target cell is also the secreting cell.
Prostaglandins
Local regulators involved in immune and clotting functions.
Cytokines
Local regulators influencing immune responses.
Growth Factors
Local regulators promoting cell growth and division.
Nitric Oxide (NO)
Gas acting as a local regulator in blood vessels.
Homeostasis
Maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.
Reproduction
Biological processes regulated by endocrine hormones.
Development
Growth processes influenced by hormonal signaling.
Energy Metabolism
Regulated by hormones for energy balance.
Behavior
Influenced by hormonal changes in the body.
Mating Season
Period when male seals use testosterone for territoriality.
Circulatory System
System transporting hormones throughout the body.
Nitric Oxide (NO)
A gas that relaxes smooth muscle cells.
Vasodilation
Widening of blood vessels to increase flow.
Prostaglandins
Lipids that promote inflammation and pain.
Platelet Aggregation
Clumping of platelets for blood clot formation.
Synaptic Signaling
Neurons communicate via specialized junctions called synapses.
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals secreted by neurons to transmit signals.
Neuroendocrine Signaling
Neurosecretory cells release neurohormones into blood.
Pheromones
Chemicals used for communication between animals.
Chemical Classes of Hormones
Three classes: polypeptides, steroids, and amines.
Polypeptides
Water-soluble hormones made of proteins or peptides.
Steroids
Lipid-soluble hormones derived from cholesterol.
Amines
Hormones derived from amino acids, often water-soluble.
Water-Soluble Hormones
Cannot pass cell membranes; bind to surface receptors.
Lipid-Soluble Hormones
Easily pass through membranes; bind to intracellular receptors.
Exocytosis
Process for water-soluble hormones to be secreted.
Signal Transduction
Conversion of a chemical signal to an intracellular response.
Cortisol
Hormone that regulates stress responses in the body.
G Protein-Coupled Receptors
Receptors that initiate signaling cascades upon hormone binding.
cAMP
Second messenger involved in signaling pathways.
Gene Expression
Process altered by lipid-soluble hormones in target cells.
Hormone-Receptor Complex
Formed when a hormone binds to its receptor.
Transcriptional Regulator
Complex that influences gene transcription in the nucleus.
Vitellogenin Gene
Gene activated by estradiol for egg yolk production.
Thyroxine
A lipid-soluble hormone with nuclear receptors.
Hormone Receptor
Binds hormones and stimulates gene transcription.
Epinephrine
Hormone triggering 'fight-or-flight' response.
Signal Transduction Pathway
Process by which a signal is transmitted.
Endocrine Glands
Ductless organs secreting hormones into fluid.
Exocrine Glands
Glands with ducts secreting onto surfaces.
Simple Endocrine Pathway
Direct hormone response to a stimulus.
Neuroendocrine Pathway
Stimulus received by neuron, triggering neurohormone release.
Negative Feedback Loop
Response reduces initial stimulus to maintain balance.
Positive Feedback Loop
Response amplifies stimulus for greater effect.
Insulin
Hormone decreasing blood glucose levels.
Glucagon
Hormone increasing blood glucose levels.
Pancreatic Islets
Clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas.
Secretin
Hormone raising pH in the duodenum.
Oxytocin
Hormone stimulating milk release during suckling.
Glycogen Breakdown
Process releasing glucose from liver cells.
Pituitary Gland
Major endocrine gland controlling other glands.
Thyroid Gland
Regulates metabolism and energy levels.
Adrenal Glands
Secrete hormones for stress response.
Thymus
Organ involved in immune system development.
Feedback Regulation
Mechanism controlling hormone levels in the body.
Homeostasis
Maintaining stable internal conditions in organisms.
Ductless Organs
Organs that release hormones directly into blood.
Hormonal Antagonism
Opposing effects of hormones on target cells.
Insulin
Hormone that lowers blood glucose levels.
Beta cells
Pancreatic cells that release insulin.
Glucose uptake
Process of cells absorbing glucose.
Glycogen
Stored form of glucose in the liver.
Glucagon
Hormone that raises blood glucose levels.
Alpha cells
Pancreatic cells that release glucagon.
Homeostasis
Stable internal environment in the body.
Blood glucose level
Normal range is 70-110 mg/mL.
Type 1 diabetes
Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells.
Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance or deficiency in target cells.
Neuroendocrine signaling
Coordination between nervous and endocrine systems.
Metamorphosis
Transformation process in insect development.
PTTH
Hormone that triggers molting in insects.
Ecdysteroid
Hormone that promotes molting and metamorphosis.
Juvenile hormone (JH)
Hormone that regulates insect development stages.
Hypothalamus
Brain region controlling endocrine functions.
Pituitary gland
Master gland regulating other endocrine glands.
Posterior pituitary
Stores and releases hormones from hypothalamus.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Regulates water balance and urine concentration.
Oxytocin
Stimulates uterine contractions and milk secretion.
Anterior pituitary
Produces hormones regulating various body functions.
Prolactin (PRL)
Hormone involved in milk production.
Releasing hormones
Hormones from hypothalamus stimulating anterior pituitary.
Tropic hormones
Hormones from anterior pituitary that stimulate other glands.
Thyroid hormone
Regulates metabolism and many bodily functions.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)
Stimulates anterior pituitary to release TSH.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Stimulates thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.
Goiter
Enlargement of thyroid due to insufficient iodine.
Triiodothyronin (T3)
Thyroid hormone with three iodine atoms.
Thyroxine (T4)
Thyroid hormone with four iodine atoms.
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