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hormones chemical "messengers" of the endocrine system that are released into
the blood
protein hormones class of hormones that cannot pass through the cell membrane;
less likely to be stored in the body
steroid hormone class of hormones that can pass through the cell membrane; can
be stored in the body
oxytocin A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior
pituitary. It induces contractions of the uterine muscles during labor.
antidiuretic hormone hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland which aids
in water reabsorption by the kidney
hypothalamus part of the brain which links the endocine and nervous system, and
controls the pituitary gland.
thyroid gland gland found in neck that regulates rate of metabolism; produces
thyroxine
calcitonin Produced by the thyroid gland and decreases the blood calcium levels by
stimulating calcium deposit in the bones. The antagonist of the parathyroid
hormone.
tetany condition affecting nerves causing muscle spasms as a result of low amounts
of calcium in the blood caused by a deficiency of the parathyroid hormone
osteoporosis a condition in which the body's bones become weak and break easily;
may be caused by hypersecretion of parahormone
adrenal gland one of a pair of ductless glands, located above the kidneys, consisting
of a cortex, which produces steroidal hormones, and a medulla, which produces
epinephrine and norepinephrine.
cortex outer part of kidney which produces corticosteroids; helps body deal with
longtern stress
cortisol secreted from the adrenal cortex, aids the body during stress by regulating
glucose, carbohydrates, and fat levels
pancreas located partially behind the stomach in the abdomen, and it functions as
both an endocrine and exocrine gland. It produces digestive enzymes as well as
insulin and glucagon
insulin a hormone secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans of the
pancreas responsible for regulating the metabolism of glucose
glucagon hormone secreted by alpha cells of the pancreas; raises blood glucose
levels
diabetes a condition in which the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the
body's cells cannot use it properly, characterized by excessive thirst, weight
loss/gain, frequent urination.
estrogen a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the
ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics
progesterone A hormone produced by the ovaries which acts with estrogen to bring
about the menstral cycle.
testosterone The male sex hormone produced by the testes which promotes the
maturation of the reproductive system accessory structures, and development of
the male secondary sex characteristics.
pineal gland A small mass of tissue near the center of the brain; it secretes the
hormone melatonin.
melatonin Hormone secreted by the pineal gland, used to regulate sleep patterns.
Thymus gland Gland located near the heart; it aids in the body's defence against
infection by making antibodies