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Endocrine Vocab
The Endocrine System Vocab
Term | Definition or Function |
---|---|
Endocrine Glands | produce and release chemicals directly into the bloodstream |
Hormones | chemical product of endocrine glands; turn on/off, speed up/slow down activities of organs and tissues |
Target Cells | cells that recognize a specific hormone's chemical structure |
Hypothalamus | small part of brain that is a link between the nervous system and the endocrine system |
Pituitary Gland | small endocrine gland just below the hypothalumus that communicates with the hypothalamus to control many body activities |
Negative Feedback | important way that body maintains homeostasis: when amount of a certain hormone in the blood reaches a certain level, endocrine system sends signals to stop releasing that hormone |
Thyroid Gland | controls rate at which body produces energy from nutrients |
Parathyroid Gland | controls level of calcium in blood |
Adrenal Glands | secrete hormones directly into bloodstream |
Thymus | part of immune system in the upper part of chest |
Pancreas | near the stomach; breaks down fats, proteins, and carbs |
Ovaries | glands to either side of uterus; produce eggs (ova) and estrogen |
Testes | two testicles; produce sperm |