HBS: 2.2.1 Endocrine System

HBS: 2.2.1 Endocrine System 1. Endocrine Gland: - Definition: A gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. 2. Endocrine System: - Definition: A collection of glands that produce and release hormones to regulate metabolic processes in the body. Key components include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, islets of Langerhans, ovaries, and testes. 3. Exocrine Gland: - Definition: A gland (such as sweat glands, saliva glands, or kidneys) that releases its secretions externally or at the surface of an organ via ducts. 4. Gland: - Definition: An organ or group of cells from epithelial tissue that filters substances from the blood, modifies them, and releases them for various bodily functions or waste. 5. Glucagon: - Definition: A hormone released by the alpha cells in the pancreas, which raises blood sugar levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. 6. Hormone: - Definition: A chemical messenger produced in specialized cells, circulating in body fluids and coordinating various physiological functions by interacting with target cells. 7. Hypothalamus: - Definition: Located in the forebrain, this structure plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis by coordinating the endocrine and nervous systems. It produces hormones for the posterior pituitary and releasing factors that influence the anterior pituitary. 8. Insulin: - Definition: A hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas that helps decrease blood glucose levels by facilitating glucose uptake in most body cells. 9. Thyroid: - Definition: A significant endocrine gland located in the neck that produces hormones responsible for regulating metabolism and growth. 10. Pancreas: - Definition: A large gland situated behind the stomach that not only secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum but also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon. 11. Adrenal Gland: - Definition: Endocrine structures located atop the kidneys that secrete various hormones, including adrenaline and steroid hormones like aldosterone and cortisol. 12. Pineal Gland: - Definition: A brain gland that regulates sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. 13. Thymus Gland: - Definition: A lymphoid organ located in the mediastinum that conditions T cells for immune responses against foreign cells. 14. Adrenal Glands: - Definition: A pair of endocrine glands situated above the kidneys which secrete hormones (such as epinephrine and norepinephrine) that prepare the body for stress. 15. Pituitary Gland: - Definition: The most influential gland in the endocrine system, regulated by the hypothalamus, that oversees growth and the function of other endocrine glands. 16. Glycogen: - Definition: A highly branched polysaccharide that serves as a glucose storage form in animal tissues, especially in the liver and muscles. 17. Receptor: - Definition: A protein that recognizes a specific signal molecule and triggers an appropriate response.