CHEMICAL CONTROLChapter 7-2

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM• Endocrine system- all the endocrine (hormones) glands of the body.• Endocrine glands - glands that produce hormones - also known as

'ductless' glands.• Hormones - chemical substances that act as messengers in the body -

slow acting and long term effects - unlike nerves which are fast acting.• Pituitary gland - the endocrine gland that controls the activities of

other endocrine glands; it is often called the "master gland".• Hypothalamus - a portion of the brain that constantly checks the

internal environment of the body and has both neural and hormonal roles.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM• Target cells - the cells on which a hormone acts.• Thyroid gland - large gland in the front of the neck, it secretes

hormones which regulate growth and metabolism• Thymus - a ductless glandular organ at the base of the neck

that produces lymphocytes and aids in producing immunity

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM• Pancreas - located partially behind the stomach in the abdomen,

and it functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland. It produces digestive enzymes as well as insulin and glucagon• Adrenal gland - one of a pair of ductless glands, located above

the kidneys, which produce adrenaline (epinephrine)• Ovaries - The female sex glands that store the ova and produce

female sex hormones• Testes - The male gonads, which produce sperm and secrete

male sex hormones.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM• Homeostasis - the process of maintaining a constant internal

environment eg 37 degrees body temp.• Endothermic - able to maintain a constant body temperature.• Metabolism - all the chemical reactions occurring in the cells.