The Endocrine System

• what are hormones?

  Chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulate various bodily functions.
• how are hormones released?

  Endocrine glands
• how do hormones travel along the body?

  Through the bloodstream.
• what do hormones do?

  Regulate bodily functions and stimulates parts of the body
• although hormones come into contact with most cells in the body, a given hormone usually affects only a limited number of cells, known as target cells
• what are target cells?

  Cells that are specifically affected by a particular hormone, drug, or other substance
• why do target cells respond to a particular hormone?

  because they have the receptors for that particular hormone
• why is the timing and levels of hormones important?

  as too much or too little at the wrong time can result in dysfunction of bodily systems
• endocrine gland produce and secrete hormones
• what are the major glands of the endocrine system?

  Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and the reproductive organs