ENDOCRINE

Chemical messengers secreted into the bloodstream by specialized cells.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that act on the same cell that secreted them.

Autocrine Chemical Messengers

Chemical messengers that act on neighboring cells.

Paracrine Chemical Messengers

Chemical messengers released into a synaptic cleft.

Neurotransmitters

Specialized cells that secrete hormones directly into the blood.

Endocrine Cells/Glands

Glands that secrete their products through ducts.

Exocrine Glands

The specific tissue affected by a hormone.

Target Tissue

The study of the endocrine system.

Endocrinology

The two major control systems of the body.

Nervous System and Endocrine System

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

Homeostasis

Endocrine function that controls nutrient utilization and energy production.

Regulation of Metabolism

Endocrine function that regulates fullness and digestion.

Control of Food Intake and Digestion

Endocrine function that influences tissue development.

Modulation of Tissue Development

Endocrine function that helps regulate Na+, K+, and Ca²⁺ levels.

Regulation of Ion Levels

Endocrine function that regulates blood water balance.

Control of Water Balance

Endocrine function that helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate.

Regulation of Cardiovascular Functions

Endocrine function that controls reproductive processes.

Regulation of Reproductive Functions

Endocrine function that stimulates uterine contractions and milk release.

Milk Ejection and Uterine Contraction

Endocrine function involved in immune system regulation.

Immune System Regulation

Endocrine function involved in biological rhythms and sleep patterns.

Biological Rhythms/Sleep Regulation

The two major chemical classes of hormones.

Lipid-Soluble and Water-Soluble Hormones

Hormones that bind intracellular (nuclear) receptors.

Lipid-Soluble Hormones

Hormones that bind membrane-bound receptors.

Water-Soluble Hormones

Hormone category that includes steroids.

Steroid Hormones

Hormone category that includes proteins and peptides.

Protein/Peptide Hormones

The intracellular molecule commonly produced by G-protein signaling.

cAMP

Membrane proteins activated after some hormones bind receptors.

G Proteins

Hormone-receptor systems that rapidly amplify signals.

Second Messenger Systems

Molecule produced when nuclear receptors activate genes.

mRNA

Type of feedback that stops hormone secretion once a set point is reached.

Negative Feedback

Hormone secretion stimulated by blood glucose or calcium levels.

Humoral Stimulation

Hormone secretion stimulated by nerve impulses.

Neural Stimulation

Hormone secretion stimulated by another hormone.

Hormonal Stimulation

Hormones from the hypothalamus that stimulate hormone release.

Releasing Hormones

Pituitary hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands.

Tropic Hormones

The stalk connecting the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus.

Infundibulum

The blood vessel system connecting the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Portal System

The pituitary lobe composed mainly of epithelial tissue.

Anterior Pituitary

The pituitary lobe composed mainly of nervous tissue.

Posterior Pituitary

The brain region that controls the endocrine system.

Hypothalamus

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates body growth.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates milk production.

Prolactin

Posterior pituitary hormone that promotes water retention.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Posterior pituitary hormone that stimulates uterine contractions.

Oxytocin

Thyroid hormones that regulate metabolic rate.

T₃ (Triiodothyronine) and T₄ (Thyroxine)

Thyroid hormone that helps regulate blood calcium levels.

Calcitonin

Hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone secreted by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose.

Insulin