Endocrine System Flashcards
Hormone
a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood or sap to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
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.
Endocrine system
The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other things.
Target cell
a cell which bears receptors for a hormone, drug, or other signalling molecule, or is the focus of contact by a virus, phagocyte, nerve fibre,
Bloodstream
the blood circulating through the body of a person or animal.
Feedback loop
A feedback loop is a term commonly used in economics to refer to a situation where part of the output of a situation is used for new input.
Homeostasis
the tendency towards a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Equilibrium
a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.
Chemical messenger
A chemical messenger is any compound that serves to transmit a message. A chemical messenger may refer to: Hormone, Long range chemical messenger. Neurotransmitter, communicates to adjacent cells.
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.
Secretion
production and release of a useful substance by a gland or cell; also, the substance produced. In addition to the enzymes and hormones that facilitate and regulate complex biochemical processes, body tissues also secrete a variety of substances that provide lubrication and moisture.
Diabetes
a disorder of the metabolism causing excessive thirst and the production of large amounts of urine.
Pancreas
a large gland behind the stomach which secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. Embedded in the pancreas are the islets of Langerhans, which secrete into the blood the hormones insulin and glucagon.
Insulin
a hormone produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. The lack of insulin causes a form of diabetes.
Glucagon
Glucagon is a hormone that raises the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. The pancreas produces glucagon and releases it when the body needs more sugar in the blood for delivery to the cells
