Endocrine System

Adrenal Glands

Major endocrine glands that help control metabolism and regulate electrolyte levels.

Gonads

The reproductive glands that produce gametes; testicles in males and ovaries in females.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that regulate activities of specific cells and organs.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland that controls the activity of other endocrine glands.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates secretion of adrenal hormones.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Hormone that stimulates growth of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Also known as somatotropic hormone; regulates growth of bones and muscle.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone that triggers ovulation in females and testosterone secretion in males.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Hormone that stimulates the secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone that helps control blood pressure by reducing water excretion.

Oxytocin (OXT)

Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk flow.

Pineal Gland

Endocrine gland that secretes melatonin and influences sleep-wake cycles.

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)

Primary hormones secreted by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolic rate.

Parathyroid Glands

Glands that regulate calcium levels in the blood and tissues.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone that increases blood calcium levels by mobilizing calcium from bones.

Thymosin

Hormone that stimulates the maturation of lymphocytes into T cells.

Glucose

A basic form of energy used by the body, regulated by pancreatic islets.

Insulin

Hormone that allows glucose to enter cells and stimulates the conversion of glucose to glycogen.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose levels by converting glycogen to glucose.

Corticosteroids

Steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex; includes aldosterone and cortisol.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Hormone that stimulates the fight-or-flight response.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics.

Estrogen

Primary female sex hormone responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics.

Precocious Puberty

Early onset of puberty changes, usually before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys.

Androgens

Sex hormones, including testosterone, secreted by gonads and adrenal glands.