Hormones

• Endocrine System


  System of chemical messages (hormones) and the glands that secrete them

  
• Pineal Gland


  Connected to retina, secretes melatonin, influences seasonal and circadian rhythms
• Gonads


  Testes or ovaries, secrete sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen
• Pituitary Gland


  • The "master gland" that triggers other endocrine glands
  • Posterior secretes oxytocin and ADH
  • Anterior secretes growth hormone, prolactin etc. and chemicals to stimulate adrenal cortex and gonads
• Adrenal Glands


  • Adrenal medulla secretes stress hormones: epinephrine & norepinephrine
  • Adrenal cortex secretes cortisol which prepares body for stressor, also secretes sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen
• Hormones


  Body-wide, longer lasting, travel through bloodstream
• A teratogen is a substance that interferes with normal fetal development and causes congenital disabilities. Drugs, alcohol, chemicals and toxic substances are examples of teratogens. Teratogens can also increase the risk for miscarriage, preterm labor or stillbirth.