Endocrine system - correct answer The network of ductless glands and other
structures that elaborate and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, affecting various
processes throughout the body such as metabolism, growth, and secretion from other organs. Glands of
the endocrine system include the thyroid, the parathyroid, the anterior pituitary, the posterior pituitary,
the pancreas, the suprarenal gland, and the gonads. The pineal gland is also considered an endocrine
gland because it is ductless.
Exocrine glands - correct answer A gland that discharges its secretions through
ducts opening on internal or external surfaces of the body.
Endocrine glands - correct answer A ductless gland that produces and secretes
hormones into the blood or lymph nodes, affecting metabolism and other body processes. The
endocrine glands include the pituitary, pineal, hypothalamus, thymus, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal
cortex, medulla, pancreatic islands of Langerhans, and gonads. Cells in other structures, such as in the
gastrointestinal mucosa, kidneys, heart, and placenta, also have endocrine functions.
Hormones - correct answer A complex chemical substance produced in one part or
organ of the body that initiates or regulates the activity of an organ or a group of cells in another part.
Hormones secreted by the endocrine glands are carried through the blood stream to the target organ.
Other hormones are released by organs for local effect, most commonly in the digestive tract.
Target cell - correct answer Any cell having a specific receptor that reacts with a
specific hormone, antigen, antibody, antibiotic, sensitized T cell, or other substance.
Nonsteroid hormones - correct answer General type of hormone that does have the
lipid steroid structure (derived from cholesterol) but is instead a protein or protein derivative; also
sometimes called protein hormone.
Steroid hormones - correct answer Any of the ductless gland secretions that contain
the basic steroid nucleus in their chemical formulae. The natural steroid hormones include androgen,s
estrogens, and adrenal cortex secretions.