3.5-shortened edition

• Endocrine System


  Regulates bodily functions by releasing hormones into the bloodstream to initiate specific responses
• Pituitary Gland


  "Master gland" controlling other endocrine glands; secretes hormones like Growth Hormone, Prolactin, ACTH, and TSH
• Thyroid Gland


  Regulates metabolism, growth, and energy production; produces hormones like Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine, and Calcitonin
• Adrenal Glands


  Help cope with stress and regulate metabolism; secrete hormones like Cortisol, Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, and Aldosterone
• Pancreas


  Regulates blood sugar levels; produces Insulin and Glucagon
• Ovaries/Testes


  Produce sex hormones and regulate reproductive functions; secrete Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone
• Lipid Hormones


  Derived from cholesterol; include steroid hormones like cortisol and sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone
• Amino Acid Hormones


  Derived from amino acids; include thyroid hormones and catecholamines like adrenaline
• Hormone Secretion


  Glands release hormones into the bloodstream in response to signals
• Target Cells


  Hormones bind to specific target cells with matching receptors
• Cellular Response


  Hormone-receptor binding triggers intracellular processes for a physiological response
• Signal Transduction


  Converts hormonal signal into cellular response through signaling pathways