a chemical, typically secreted by an endocrine gland, that is conveyed by the bloodstream and regulates target organs/tissue
Endocrine glands
a gland that secretes Hormones into the bloodstream
endocrine
glands
Pheromones
a chemical signal that is released outside the body of an animal and affects other members of the same species
allomones
a chemical signal that is released outside the body by one species and affects the behavior of other species
peptide hormone
also called protein hormone, a hormone that consists of a string of amino acids
Amine Hormones
also called Monoamine Hormone. a hormone composed of a single amino acid that has been modified into a related molecule, such as melatonin or epinephrine.
steroid hormones
any class of hormone, each of which is composed of four interconnected ring of carbon atoms
Second messengers
a slow acting substance in a target cell that amplifies the effect of synaptic or hormonal activity and regulates activity within the target cells
Knockout Organism
an individual in which a particular gene has been disabled by the experimenter
Immunocytochemistry
A method for detecting a particular protein in tissues in which an antibody recognizes and binds to the protein and then chemical methods are used to leave a visible reaction product around each antibody
Autoradiography
a staining technique that shows the distribution of radioactive chemicals
in situ hybridization
a method for detecting particular RNA transcripts in tissue sections by providing a nucleotide probe that is complementary to and will therefore hybridize with the transcript of interest
Pituitary gland
a small complex endocrine gland located in a socket at the base of the skull
Pituitary stalk
also called infundibulum. a thin piece of tissue that connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus
neuroendocrine cells
a neuron that releases a hormone into local or general circulation
Posterior pituitary
the rear division of the pituitary gland
oxytocin
a peptide hormone, released from the posterior pituitary, that triggers milk letdown in the nursing female and is associated with a variety of complex emotions
Vasopressin
also called arginine vasopressin(AVP) or antidiuretic hormone(ADH). a peptide hormone from the posterior pituitary that promotes water conservation and increases blood pressure
Milk Letdown reflex
the reflexive release of milk triggered by oxytocin
Pair-bonds
a durable and exclusive relationship between two individuals
Negative feedback
the process whereby a system monitors its own output and reduces its activity when a set point is reached
Anterior pituitary
the front division of the pituitary gland. it secretes tropic hormones
Tropic hormones
any of a class of anterior pituitary hormones that affect the secretion of hormones by other glands
Releasing Hormones
any of a class of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, that traverse the hypothalamic-pituitary portal system to control the pituitary release of tropic hormones
median eminence
a midline feature on the base of the brain that marks the point at which the pituitary stalk exits the hypothalamus to connect to the pituitary. it contains one end of the hypothalamic -pituitary portal system
Hypothalamic-pituitary portal system
an elaborate bed of blood vessels leading from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary
Growth hormone(GH)
also called somatotropin or somatotropic hormone. a tropic hormone, secreted by the anterior pituitary that promotes growth of cells and tissues
Gonads
any of the sexual organs that produce gametes for reproduction
gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)^x
a hypothalamic hormone that controls the release of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone from the pituitary
Gonadotropins
an anterior pituitary tropic hormone that stimulates the cells of the gonads to produce sex steroids and gametes.
Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)
A gonadotropin, named for its actions on ovarian follicles
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
a gonadotropin, named for its stimulatory effects on the ovarian corpora lutea.
follicles
the structure of the ovary that contains Immature Ovum (egg)
Corpora Lute
refers to carrying action potentials toward the brain or toward one region of interest
Testes
the male gonads
Testosterone
hormone produced by testes that controls a variety of bodily changes that occur at puberty it is one of a class of hormones called androgens
androgens
any of a class of hormones that includes testosterone and similar steroids
Ovaries
the female gonads
progestins
any of a major class of steroid hormones that are produced by the ovary, including progesterone