Bio163Ch10

Endocrine System

A system composed of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted into the bloodstream that regulate physiological processes.

Pituitary Gland

A small gland in the brain that controls key hormonal functions and releases at least 6 hormones.

Metabolism

The biochemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that controls the endocrine system and regulates various bodily functions.

Autocrine

A type of cell signaling where a cell secretes a hormone that regulates its own activity.

Paracrine

A type of cell signaling where a cell secretes a hormone that affects nearby cells.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism in which a change in a physiological variable triggers a response that counteracts the initial change.

Adrenal Gland

A gland situated on top of each kidney that produces hormones related to stress response and metabolism.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Oxytocin

A hormone produced by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions during labor.

Thyroid Hormones (T3, T4)

Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism, energy use, and growth.

Aldosterone

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates sodium and potassium levels, affecting blood pressure.

Testosterone

A hormone that promotes the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.

Estrogen

A hormone that plays a key role in the development of female reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Prolactin

A hormone released from the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in mammary glands.

Gonadotropin Hormones

Hormones such as LH and FSH that regulate reproductive functions and sexual development.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment in the body despite changes in external conditions.

Eicosanoids

Biologically active lipids that play roles in cell signaling and are involved in inflammatory responses.

Signal Amplification

The process by which a small signal (like a hormone) produces a large response in a target cell.

Receptors

Proteins that receive and bind hormones, initiating a response in target cells.

Action Potential (AP)

A rapid electrical signal that travels along the neuron, leading to neurotransmitter release.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A second messenger involved in signal transduction and the amplification of hormones at the cellular level.

Humoral Stimuli

Chemical substances in the blood that trigger hormone release from endocrine glands.