Endocrine System

Paracrine communication -- chemical messengers between cells within one tissue

Hormones -- chemicals secreted by cells into the bloodstream for transport to distant target tissues

Up-regulation -- target cells form more receptors in response to the hormone

Down-regulation -- target cells lose receptors in response to the hormone

Tropic -- a hormone that stimulates release of another hormone

Trophic -- a hormone that stimulates growth and nourishment of a gland

Stress -- any condition that threatens homeostasis

Neurohormones-- hormones released and secreted by neurons into the bloodstream, targeting distant cells

Pancreatic islets -- clusters of endocrine cells within the pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)