| A | B |
|---|
| endocrine gland | An organ of the endocrine system which produces and releases its chemical products directly into the bloodstream. |
| hormone | The chemical product of an endocrine gland that speeds up or slows down the activities of an organ or tissue. |
| target cell | A cell in the body that recognizes a hormone's chemical structure; a cell to which a hormone binds chemically. |
| hypothalamus | A tiny part of the brain that links the nervous system and the endocrine system. |
| pituitary gland | An endocrine gland just below the hypothalamus that communicates with the hypothalamus to control many body activities. |
| negative feedback | A process in which a system is turned off by the condition it produces. |
