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endocrine sys
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pineal Gland | a small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles |
| Hypothalamus | a region of the forebrain below the thalamus which coordinates both the autonomic nervous system and the activity of the pituitary, controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems, and involved in sleep and emotional activity. |
| Pituitary Gland | the major endocrine gland. A pea-sized body attached to the base of the brain, the pituitary is important in controlling growth and development and the functioning of the other endocrine glands. |
| Thyroid Gland | a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in the front of the neck that produces hormones, primarily thyroxine and triiodothyronine to regulate the body's metabolism, growth, and development |
| Thymus | a specialized primary lymphoid organ located in the upper chest behind the breastbone (anterior mediastinum) that matures T-lymphocytes (T-cells) for the immune system |
| Adrenal Gland | small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that produce essential hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline (epinephrine), and androgens |
| Pancreas | behind the stomach which secretes digestive enzymes |
| Ovary | female reproductive system located on either side of the uterus in the pelvis |
| Testis | male reproductive system |
| Horomone | chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system |
| Endocrine System | a network of glands and organs that produce and release hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate vital bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, sleep, and mood |
| Gland | an organ in the human or animal body which secretes particular chemical substances for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings. |
| Receptor Cell | specialized, membrane-bound proteins that act as receivers, detecting external chemical signals (ligands) or environmental stimuli to initiate cellular responses |
| Target Cell | specific hormones or signals, essential for body communication |
| Estorgen | sex hormones that develop and regulate female sexual and reproductive systems, affecting the reproductive tract, bones, heart, skin, and brain. |
| Progesterone | a hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy by thickening its lining, supports pregnancy by maintaining the uterine lining and preventing contractions, and plays a role in the menstrual cycle and the development of breast tissue. |
| Testosterone | hormones that develop and regulate male sexual and reproductive systems, affecting the reproductive tract, bones, heart, skin, and brain. |
| Insulin | a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) by moving it from the blood into cells for energy and signaling the liver to store excess sugar |
| Cortisol | Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that manages metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the stress response |
| Adrenaline | a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, especially in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and preparing muscles for exertion. |
| Vasopressin | a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland to regulate blood pressure, water retention, and urine concentration |
| Growth Hormone | hormone contributing to growth |
| Positive Feedback Loop | a self-reinforcing process where the output of a system amplifies or accelerates the initial change, pushing the system further away from its original state |
| Negative Feedback Loop | a self-regulating, stabilizing mechanism that counteracts deviations from a set point to maintain stability, or homeostasis, in biological and mechanical systems |
| Type 1 Diabetes | chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production |
| Type 2 Diabetes | a condition where the body develops insulin resistance, meaning cells don't use insulin properly, and the pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar (glucose) levels normal, leading to hyperglycemia. |