Chemical coordination

Hormones

Non-nutrient chemicals that act as intercellular messengers, produced in trace amounts by endocrine glands.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Hypothalamus

A region of the forebrain that regulates a wide array of body functions and produces releasing and inhibiting hormones.

Pituitary Gland

A gland divided into two parts (anterior and posterior) that produces several important hormones regulating various body functions.

Adrenal Gland

Glands located above the kidneys, composed of the adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex that secrete hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Thyroid Hormones

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate the metabolism and are essential for normal growth and development.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

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

Insulin

A peptide hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection during lactation.

Acromegaly

A condition resulting from excessive growth hormone in adults leading to abnormal growth, especially in facial features.

Diabetes Insipidus

A condition caused by insufficient secretion of vasopressin (ADH), leading to excessive urination and thirst.

Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF)

A hormone produced by the heart that helps to lower blood pressure by causing vasodilation.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Gonadotrophins

Hormones (LH and FSH) that stimulate the activity of the gonads (testis and ovaries).

Thymosins

Hormones secreted by the thymus gland that play a role in T-lymphocyte differentiation.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex involved in metabolism and the stress response, primarily cortisol.

Mineralocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate water and electrolyte balance, primarily aldosterone.

Hypothyroidism

A condition caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, often leading to symptoms like weight gain and fatigue.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as weight loss and increased metabolism.