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Vocab 2.2
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Endocrine System | The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes and maintain homeostasis. |
| Exocrine System | The exocrine system is a collection of glands that secrete their products through ducts to the external environment or specific organs, rather than directly into the bloodstream. |
| Homeostasis | Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes, through the regulation of various physiological processes. |
| Hormone | A hormone is a chemical substance produced by an endocrine gland that circulates in the bloodstream and regulates the activity of target cells or organs. |
| Endocrine Gland | An endocrine gland is a specialized tissue that synthesizes and releases hormones directly into the bloodstream. |
| Exocrine Gland | An exocrine gland is a gland that releases its secretions through ducts to the external environment or specific organs. |
| Feedback Loop | A feedback loop is a regulatory mechanism in which the output of a process regulates or influences the input, either amplifying (positive feedback) or dampening (negative feedback) the response. |
| Negative Feedback | Negative feedback is a regulatory mechanism in which the output of a process inhibits or opposes the initial stimulus, maintaining stability or homeostasis. |
| Positive Feedback | Positive feedback is a regulatory mechanism in which the output of a process amplifies or reinforces the initial stimulus, often leading to a self-amplifying cycle. |
| Hormone Receptor | A hormone receptor is a protein located on the surface or within a target cell that binds to specific hormones, triggering a cellular response. |
| Hypothalamus | The hypothalamus is a region of the brain that plays a key role in regulating various physiological processes, including hormone secretion, body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep. |
| Pineal Gland | The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located in the brain that secretes the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms. |
| Pituitary Gland | The pituitary gland, often referred to as the "master gland," is a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that secretes various hormones that regulate other endocrine glands and physiological processes. |
| Thyroid | The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck that secretes hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. |
| Parathyroid | The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands located near the thyroid gland that secrete parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. |
| Pancreas | The pancreas is a dual-function organ located behind the stomach that plays a key role in digestion and glucose metabolism by secreting digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon. |
| Adrenal Glands | The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that secrete hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), and aldosterone, which regulate stress response, metabolism, and electrolyte balance. |
| Thymus | The thymus is a specialized organ of the immune system located in the chest that produces T-lymphocytes (T cells), which play a key role in immune function. |
| Ovaries | The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs (ova) and secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and secondary sexual characteristics. |
| Testicles | The testicles (or testes) are the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and secrete hormones such as testosterone, which regulate male reproductive function and secondary sexual characteristics. |
| Secretion | Secretion is the process by which cells release substances such as hormones, enzymes, or sweat for various physiological functions. |
| Insulin | Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production or storage. |
| Glucagon | Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood sugar levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen into glucose and stimulating gluconeogenesis in the liver. |
| Calcitonin | Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood by inhibiting the breakdown of bone and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. |
| Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) | Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland that regulates water reabsorption by the kidneys, helping to maintain water balance in the body. |
| Aldosterone | Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates electrolyte balance by promoting sodium retention and potassium excretion by the kidneys. |
| Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) | The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormonal cascade that regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance by controlling the production and release of hormones such as renin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone. |
| Stimulus | A stimulus is a detectable change in the internal or external environment that triggers a physiological response. |
| Response | A response is the reaction or behavior of an organism to a stimulus. |
| Neurotransmitters | Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons (nerve cells) that transmit signals across synapses to target cells, such as other neurons, muscle cells, or glands. |
| Dopamine | Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in reward-motivated behavior, movement, mood, and cognition. |
| Serotonin | Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and other physiological processes. |
| Epinephrine | Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels to prepare the body for action. |
| Norepinephrine | Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that helps regulate arousal, attention, and stress response. |
| Acetylcholine | Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in muscle contraction, memory, and autonomic nervous system function. |
| Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) | Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a key role in reducing neuronal excitability and promoting relaxation. |
| Glutamate | Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a key role in synaptic transmission and neuronal plasticity. |
| Agonist | An agonist is a drug or substance that binds to and activates a receptor, producing a biological response similar to that of the endogenous ligand. |
| Antagonist | An antagonist is a drug or substance that binds to a receptor, |
Created by:
isabella.massengale
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