ch 34 VOCAB Flashcards
hormones
chemical messengers
target cells
cells that have receptors for a particular hormone
exocrine glands
release their hormones through ducts either out of the body or directly into the digestive system.
endocrine glands
release their hormones directly into the blood, which transport the secretions throughout the body
prostaglandins
modified fatty acids that are produced by a wide range of cells
pituitary gland
bean-sized structure that dangles on a slender stalk of tissue at the base of the brain
releasing hormones
secreted into blood vessels leading to the anterior pituitary
corticosteroids
hormones made in the adrenal cortex
epinephrine
adrenaline
norepinephrine
hormone that works with epinephrine made in the adrenal medulla
thyroxine
increases the metabolic rate of cells throughout the body
calcitonin
signals kidneys to reabsorb less calcium from filtrate, inhibits calcium absorption in small intestine, and promotes calcium’s absorption into bones
parathyroid hormone (PTH)
increases calcium levels in the blood
puberty
period of rapid growth and sexual maturation during which the reproductive system becomes fully functional
testes
primary male reproductive organs
scrotum
where the testes descend from the abdomen into an external sac called scrotum
seminiferous tubules
where sperm develop
epididymis
where sperm are matured and stored
vas deferens
a tube where some sperm are moved into
semen
combination of sperm and seminal fluid
ovaries
primary reproductive organs of the female
menstrual cycle
a regular sequence of events involving the ovaries, the lining of the uterus, and the endocrine system
ovulation
the release of an egg from the ovary into one of the fallopian tubes
corpus luteum
ruptured follicle, where the follicle turns yellow
