endocrine system Flashcards
endocrine system
a collection of glands that produce and secrete hormones, which carry messages from brain to organs via bloodstream
hormones
chemicals that the endocrine system uses for communication, they travel through the bloodstream
pineal gland
produces a hormone called melatonin that influences patterns of sleeping and wakefulness
pituitary gland
“master gland” that releases hormones that regulate other glands and regulate water/salt balance
thyroid/parathyroid gland
releases hormones regulating metabolic and calcium rate
thymus
produces hormones influencing the development and functioning of the immune system
adrenal glands
produce hormones that respond to stress and regulate salt/carbohydrate metabolism
pancreas
the organ that releases hormones including insulin, which regulates the level of sugar in the bloodstream
gonads
sex glands that produce reproductive cells (ovaries and testes)
