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Endocrine System

assists the nervous system with communication and control of the body, consisting of ductless glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that act on target cells.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that have ducts and deliver their products directly to a specific site.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones that are lipid soluble and derived from cholesterol, including sex hormones and adrenal cortex hormones.

Non-steroid Hormones

Hormones that are not lipid soluble, including amines, proteins, peptides, and glycoproteins.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

A control mechanism in which a change in a given direction causes feedback that counteracts the initial change.

Pituitary Gland

A gland located at the base of the brain that controls other endocrine glands and secretes hormones.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner part of the adrenal glands that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Corticosteroids

Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex, involved in stress response, immune regulation, and metabolism.

Prostaglandins

Paracrine substances that are potent in small amounts, synthesized before release, and have a wide variety of effects on cellular responses.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates glucose uptake by somatic cells to reduce blood sugar levels.

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that stimulates glycogen breakdown and increases blood sugar levels.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythms.

Thymosins

Hormones secreted by the thymus gland that promote the development of certain lymphocytes and play an important role in immunity.

Epinephrine

Also known as adrenaline, a hormone released by the adrenal medulla that is involved in the fight or flight response.

Oxytocin

A hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland that stimulates contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism and energy levels.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Stress

The condition produced in response to stressors that can disrupt homeostasis.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that act on target cells.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that have ducts and deliver their products directly to a specific site.

Paracrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances affecting nearby cells.

Autocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances that act on the same cells that produce them.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

A control system where the output reduces the effect of the initial stimulus.

Pituitary Gland

The master endocrine gland that controls other endocrine glands.

Anterior Pituitary Hormones

Hormones released by the anterior lobe of the pituitary that stimulate other glands.

Posterior Pituitary Hormones

Hormones such as oxytocin and ADH released directly into the bloodstream.

Prostaglandins

Potent paracrine substances synthesized just before release.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones derived from cholesterol, including sex hormones and adrenal cortex hormones.

Non-steroid Hormones

Hormones such as proteins, peptides, and amines.

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)

Hormone produced by the hypothalamus that stimulates ACTH release from the anterior pituitary.

Thyroid Hormones

Includes T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), hormones that regulate metabolism.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone that increases blood calcium levels.

Adrenal Cortex

The outer layer of the adrenal glands that secretes corticosteroids.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner part of the adrenal glands that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Glucagon

Hormone secreted by alpha cells in the pancreas that increases blood sugar levels.

Insulin

Hormone secreted by beta cells in the pancreas that decreases blood sugar levels.

Melatonin

Hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythms.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Hormone that stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary.

Hormonal Secretions

Controlled primarily by the body's feedback mechanisms.