💦SCI Q3 LT1 L2: Endocrine System and Glands

Glands

The smallest living unit in the body that produces hormones.

Endocrine glands

Glands that make and release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Hypothalamus

Located at the base of the brain, it regulates body temperature, blood pressure, and the use of water. It also controls muscle contractions of the uterus and milk production.

Pituitary

The smallest gland, also known as the master gland. It regulates the growth of the skeletal system and stimulates the production of hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and prolactin.

Adrenal

Located above the kidney, it releases adrenaline into the bloodstream during a fright or "fight or flight" response. It also produces aldosterone, which controls water uptake in the kidney.

Thyroid

Located at the front of the pituitary gland, it regulates the rate of metabolism and secretes hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.

Parathyroid

Four tiny glands connected to the back of the thyroid gland, they regulate minerals such as calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream.

Pancreas

Located beneath the stomach, it controls the level of sugar in the blood and stimulates the liver to convert glycogen to glucose.

Thymus, Ovaries, and Testes

Located beneath the upper chest of the heart, they play an important role in developing the body's defenses against infection.

Homeostasis

Responsible for regulating and maintaining the internal environment of the body, including body temperature, fluids, salts, acids, gases, and nutrients.

Dendrites

Branched cell components of a neuron that receive stimuli from other neurons or sensory receptors.

Cell body

Contains a nucleus and processes the stimulus received by the dendrites.

Axon

Transmits the stimulus to a gland, muscle, organ, or other neuron.