Pt 2

• Endocrine System:

  • Network of glands and organs in the body that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate physiological processes and maintain homeostasis
• Gland:

  • Specialized organ or group of cells that synthesizes and secretes hormones into the bloodstream
• Hormone:

  • Chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulate the function of target cells or organs
  • Examples include insulin, testosterone, adrenaline
• Pancreas:

  • Gland that secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine
  • Produces hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels
• Insulin:

  • Hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate glucose levels in blood
  • Promotes the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, lowering blood sugar levels
• Diabetes:

  • Group of disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production, ineffective insulin utilization, or both
  • Types include Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes
• Ovary:

  • Female reproductive organ responsible for producing eggs (ova) and secreting hormones like estrogen and progesterone
• Estrogen:

  • Steroid hormone primarily produced by the ovaries in females
  • Regulates the development and function of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics
• Testis:

  • Male reproductive organ responsible for producing sperm and secreting testosterone, among other hormones
• Testosterone:

  • Primary male sex hormone produced primarily by the testes
  • Responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics
• Thyroid:

  • Butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones like thyroxine to regulate metabolism, growth, and development
• Pituitary:

  • Pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, known as the "master gland" of the endocrine system
  • Produces growth hormone (GH) that regulates various bodily processes and controls other endocrine glands
• Nervous System:

  • Body's communication network consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
  • Sends and receives messages to control body functions and respond to the environment
• Brain:

  • Central organ of the nervous system located in the head
  • Responsible for processing information, controlling body functions, and coordinating behavior
• Spinal Cord:

  • Long, thin bundle of nerves extending from the brain down the back within the spinal column
  • Acts as a pathway for nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body
• Neuron:

  • Specialized cell in the nervous system that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals
  • Allows communication within the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body
• Nerve:

  • Bundle of nerve fibers (axons) surrounded by connective tissue
  • Acts as a pathway for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain and carrying motor commands from the brain to muscles and glands
• Neurotransmitter:

  • Chemical substances released by neurons to transmit signals across the synapse to target cells
  • Examples include serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine
• Homeostasis:

  • Body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes
  • Achieved through regulatory mechanisms that balance various physiological processes like temperature, fluid balance, and metabolism