Endocrine Glands & Feedback Loops

Gonads

Reproductive organs that produce sex cells and secrete sex hormones.

Ovaries

The female gonads responsible for producing eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Testes

The male gonads responsible for producing sperm and hormones such as testosterone.

Estrogen

A hormone that promotes maturation of reproductive organs, development of secondary sex characteristics, breast development, and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone

A hormone that aids in breast development and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Testosterone

A hormone that stimulates maturation of reproductive organs, development of secondary sex characteristics, and production of sperm.

Feedback Mechanism

A process that regulates hormone secretion, often involving negative feedback loops to maintain hormone levels.

Hypothalamus Role in Hormone Regulation

Secretes hormones into the pituitary gland to control hormone release.

Pituitary Gland Role in Hormone Regulation

Secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone which signals the thyroid to release thyroxine.

Thyroxine

A hormone secreted by the thyroid that increases metabolism.

Hyposecretion

A condition where not enough hormone is released by an endocrine gland.

Hypersecretion

A condition where too much hormone is released by an endocrine gland.

Endocrine Disorders

Conditions caused by the hyposecretion or hypersecretion of hormones due to improper gland function.