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The Endocrine System

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specialized organs that produce hormones (releases them directly into blood stream)
the cells that a specific hormone affects
the system that hormones operate by: an excess of the hormone will signal the endocrine gland to temporarily stop production of the hormone. When levels decline enough, production can continue.
releases many hormones that reach other glands and stimulate them to release their own hormones.
part of the pituitary gland, secretes: growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin.
part of the brain that works with the anterior pituitary and sits just above it. It secretes neurohormones that can stimulate or inhibit the anterior pituitary
stimulates growth throughout the body, targets bones and muscles
stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids and mineralcorticoids
stimulates the thyroid to secrete thyroxine
stimulates the follicle to grow in females, and spermatogenesis in males
causes the release of the ovum during the menstrual cycle in females, and testosterone production in males
stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk
part of the pituitary that secretes two hormones: antidiuretic hormone (aka vasopressin) and oxytocin. these are actually made in the hypothalamus but stored here.
aka vasopressin, this hormone regulates water intake by nephrons
a hormone that stimulates the contraction of the uterus and ducts of the mammary glands
regulates metabolic rate
lowers blood calcium levels
increases blood calcium levels
made in adrenal cortex; increases Na+ and H20 reabsorption in kidneys
increases blood glucose level and heart rate
decreases blood sugar concentration (made in pancreas)
increases blood sugar concentration (made in pancreas)
promotes female secondary sex characteristics and thickens endometrial lining
maintains endometrial lining
promotes male secondary sex characteristics and spermatogenesis

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