ML

whoremones

  • Endocrine System Overview:

    • Hormones are chemical signals secreted by cells or glands, influencing various bodily functions.

    • The endocrine system regulates responses to the environment, growth, development, homeostasis, and reproduction.

  • Environmental Responses:

    • Sensory input from the nervous system triggers hormone release, such as adrenaline in response to predator presence.

  • Growth Regulation:

    • Sex hormones trigger secondary sex characteristics during development.

    • Hormones in tissues control molting and metamorphosis in insects.

  • Homeostasis Regulation:

    • Hormones regulate circadian rhythms, metabolism, stress responses, and blood sugar levels.

  • Blood Sugar Regulation:

    • The pancreas, as an endocrine organ, maintains blood sugar levels through negative feedback loops.

  • Hormone Action:

    • Hormones target specific cells with receptors, influencing cell activities like enzyme activation or cell division.

    • Hormones can be hydrophilic (peptides, amines) or hydrophobic (steroids), affecting their ability to cross cell membranes.

  • Hormone Pathways and Amplification:

    • Hormonal pathways involve multiple glands releasing hormones, amplifying signals along the pathway.

  • Vertebrate Endocrine System:

    • The hypothalamus secretes releasing hormones, signaling the pituitary gland to release hormones regulating the rest of the endocrine system.

  • Pituitary Gland:

    • The anterior pituitary releases tropic hormones that control other glands, while the posterior pituitary releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone.

  • Other Glands and Local Communication:

    • Parathyroid and pineal glands control calcium levels and circadian rhythms, respectively.

    • Local chemical signals like paracrines (autocrines) regulate nearby cells, while pheromones communicate between animals.