| A | B |
|---|
| Endocrine System | Complex network of glands that regulate body functions and maintain homeostasis through hormone secretion |
| Hormone | Chemical messenger secreted into the bloodstream to influence target cells |
| Receptor | Structure that binds a specific hormone to produce a response |
| Negative Feedback Loop | Regulatory mechanism that prevents overproduction or underproduction of hormones |
| Pituitary Gland | Master gland that produces hormones that trigger other glands to act; located at base of brain, below the hypothalamus |
| Anterior Pituitary | Part of the pituitary gland that produces and secretes regulatory hormones |
| Posterior Pituitary | Part of pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus |
| Growth Hormone | Homrone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and repair; secreted by anterior pituitary |
| Thyroid Stimulating Hormone | Hormone that stimulates thyroid hormone production (T3 and T4); secreted by the anterior pituitary |
| Adrenocorticotropic Hormone | Hormone that stimulates adrenal cortex hormone release; secreted by the anterior pituitary |
| Follicle Stimulating Hormone | Hormone that stimulates ovum maturation and sperm production; secreted by anterior pituitary |
| Luteinizing Hormone | Triggers ovulation and stimulates progesterone and testosterone production; ICSH in males; secreted by anterior pituitary |
| Prolactin | Promotes and sustains milk production after childbirth; secreted by the anterior pituitary |
| Antidiuretic Hormone | Hormone that promotes water reabsorption by the kidneys and regulates blood pressure; secreted by the posterior pituitary |
| Oxytocin | Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during labour and milk ejection; involved in emotional bonding and social behaviours; secreted by the posterior pituitary |
| Thyroid Gland | Gland located anterior to the trachea and below the larynx that regulates metabolism growth and development |
| Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) | Hormones that regulate metabolism and energy use; secreted by the thyroid |
| Calcitonin | Hormone that lowers blood calcium levels; secreted by the thyroid |
| Parathyroid Glands | Four small glands located on the posterior side of the thyroid gland; regulate calcium levels |
| Parathyroid Hormone | Hormone that increases or raises blood calcium levels by stimulating bone breakdown and enhancing calcium absorption |
| Adrenal Glands | Two glands found superior to the kidneys; respond to stress and regulate metabolism |
| Adrenal Cortex | Outer layer of the adrenal gland; produces corticosteroid hormones |
| Aldosterone | Hormone that regulates sodium, potassium and blood pressure; secreted by adrenal cortex; mineralcorticoid |
| Cortisol | Stress hormone that releases stored nutrients and affects metabolism and immune response; secreted by adrenal cortex; glucocorticoid |
| Adrenal Androgens | Hormones that contribute to secondary sex characteristics; secreted by adrenal cortex |
| Adrenal Medulla | Inner portion of the adrenal gland; produces fight or flight hormones |
| Epinephrine | Hormone that is critical for the fight-or-flight response; increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability; secreted by adrenal medulla |
| Norepinephrine | Hormone that enhances fight or flight response; secreted by adrenal medulla |
| Pancreas | Gland that is both endocrine and exocrine; regulates blood glucose levels; produces insulin and glucagon |
| Insulin | Hormone that lowers blood glucose; secreted by pancreas |
| Glucagon | Hormone that raises blood glucose by stimulating the liver to relase stores; secreted by pancreas |
| Ovaries | Glands that produce ova, estrogen and progesterone |
| Estrogen | Hormone that promotes female secondary sexual characteristic development and regulates menstrual cycle; secreted by ovary |
| Progesterone | Hormone that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy; secreted by corpus luteum of ovary and placenta |
| Testes | Glands that produce spermatozoa and testosterone |
| Testosterone | Hormone that promotes male secondary sexual characteristic development and sperm production; secreted by testes |
| Pineal Gland | Gland found near the centre of the brain between the two hemispheres; regulates sleep cycles |
| Melatonin | Hormone that controls circadian rhythm and sleep patterns (sleep-wake cycle); secreted by the pineal gland |
