Endocrine System

Science

A gland that releases hormones directly into the bloodstream

Endocrine gland

A gland that releases hormones directly into the bloodstream. Endocrine gland. An endocrine gland is a part of the body that makes and releases hormones to help control how the body works.

The glands and hormones that regulate body conditions and growth, like the thyroid

Endocrine system

The glands and hormones that regulate body conditions and growth, like the thyroid, are part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce hormones to help control many important body functions.

A chemical produced in the body that affects the development of target cells

Hormone

A chemical produced in the body that affects the development of target cells. Hormone. Hormones are like messengers that help control how your body functions and develops.

A change caused by a signal that reduces the strength of that signal, like sweating slows as the body cools down

Negative feedback

A change caused by a signal that reduces the strength of that signal, like sweating slows as the body cools down. Negative feedback. Negative feedback is a process where a system responds to a change by reversing that change to maintain balance.

The ‘master’ endocrine gland, it secretes hormones which control other endocrine glands and many body functions

Pituitary gland

The master endocrine gland, it secretes hormones which control other endocrine glands and many body functions. Pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small gland in the brain that manages and regulates various vital functions and other hormone-producing glands in the body.

A chemical that stimulates glands to release their hormones

Releasing hormone

A chemical that stimulates glands to release their hormones. Releasing hormone. Releasing hormones are chemicals that signal glands in the body to release specific hormones, helping to regulate various body functions.

A cell that has a receptor for a particular hormone

Target cell

A cell that has a receptor for a particular hormone. Target cell. A target cell is a cell that responds to a particular hormone because it has specific receptors for that hormone.