mammalian hormones Flashcards
what are hormones?
chemicals created by glands carried by the blood which alters the activity of one or more target organs which is then destroyed by the liver.
where are hormones produced?
in endocrine glands (form of an organ)
what are endocrine glands?
organs made of secretory cells which produce and release hormones
what are target organs?
certain organs only being able to use the hormones carried by the bloodstream
why is the pituitary known as the master gland?
due to it secreting hormones to trigger endocrine glands to produce their hormones
what is the diff between exo and endocrine glands?
endocrine glands are ductless, secretions poured directly into the blood, secretes hormones in minute quantities
while exo is completely opposite
example of endocrine glands?
- hypothalamus
- pituitary
- thyroid & parathyroid
- islets of langerhans
- ovary
- testes
examples of exocrine glands
- salivary glands
- gastric glands
- pancreas
adrenal gland
produces adrenaline which prepares the body for quick activities
pancreas
produces insulin and glucagon which either increases or decreases glucose levels in the liver
testis
produces testosterone that produces male 2nd sexual characteristics
ovary
produces oestrogen and progesterone which produces female 2nd sexual characteristics and controls pregnancy while maintaining pregnancy respectively
where is the adrenal gland located?
on top of the kidneys
thyroid gland
releases thyroxine
