Endocrine System Amoeba Sisters

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by the endocrine system that regulate various bodily functions.

Endocrine system

A system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.

Glands

Structures in the endocrine system that secrete hormones.

Hypothalamus

A gland located in the brain that controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.

Pineal gland

A gland located in the brain that secretes melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Pituitary gland

A gland located in the brain that controls the release of hormones from other glands in the endocrine system.

Thyroid gland

A gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism.

Parathyroid gland

Glands located near the thyroid gland that regulate calcium levels in the body.

Thymus gland

A gland located in the upper chest that plays a role in the development of the immune system.

Adrenal glands

Glands located above the kidneys that produce hormones involved in stress response and metabolism.

Pancreas

A gland located near the stomach that produces insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.

Gonads

Reproductive glands, including the ovaries in females and testes in males.

Endocrine function

The release of hormones directly into the bloodstream by endocrine glands.

Exocrine function

The release of substances through ducts that carry them to body openings or surfaces.

Gastrin

A hormone secreted by cells in the stomach that helps stimulate the production of stomach acid.

Biomolecules

Molecules such as amino acids or lipids that make up hormones.

Receptors

Proteins on target cells that hormones bind to, triggering a response in the cell.

Hypothalamus

A region in the brain that produces several hormones and regulates the pituitary gland.

Pituitary gland

A gland located at the base of the brain that is divided into the anterior and posterior pituitary. It is regulated by the hypothalamus and produces various hormones.

Anterior pituitary

The front portion of the pituitary gland that can produce its own hormones, such as growth hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Posterior pituitary

The back portion of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus, such as oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone.

Pineal gland

A small gland in the brain that secretes melatonin, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Thyroid

A gland located in the neck that produces hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play major roles in metabolic processes. It also produces calcitonin, which helps lower blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid glands

Small glands located behind the thyroid that produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which raises blood calcium levels.

Thymus

An organ located in the chest that is important for T cell development and produces hormones, such as thymosin, that impact immune system function.