Endocrine System: A system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
to regulate various bodily functions.
Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system
by producing hormones that control the pituitary gland.
Pituitary Gland: The "master gland" that secretes hormones that regulate other glands and
various bodily functions, like growth and reproduction.
Thyroid Gland: A gland that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and
body temperature.
Parathyroid Gland: Glands that produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium
levels in the blood.
Thymus Gland: A gland that plays a vital role in the development of the immune system.
Adrenal Glands: Glands that produce hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone,
which regulate stress response, blood pressure, and other functions.
Pancreas: An organ that both produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin and
glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.
Testes: Male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone.
Ovaries: Female reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and
progesterone.
Pineal Gland: A small gland that produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake
cycles.
Aldosterone: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood
pressure and fluid balance.
Epinephrine: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that prepares the body for "fight or
flight" response.
Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels by
allowing cells to absorb glucose.
Glucagon: A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood sugar levels by
stimulating the release of glucose from the liver.
Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone, responsible for male physical development
and reproductive functions.
Estrogen: The primary female sex hormone, responsible for female physical development
and reproductive functions.
Progesterone: A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps maintain
pregnancy.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that
stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries and sperm production in the testes.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers
ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that
stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that
stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
Growth Hormone: A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and
cell reproduction.
Sertoli Cells: Cells in the testes that support sperm development.
Leydig Cells: Cells in the testes that produce testosterone.
Inhibin: A hormone produced by the testes and ovaries that inhibits the production of FSH
and LH.
Menarche: The first menstrual period in a female.
Corpus Luteum: A temporary structure that forms in the ovary after ovulation and produces
progesterone and estrogen.
Menopause: The cessation of menstruation in females.
Calcitonin: A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in
the blood.
Cortisol: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate stress response
and blood sugar levels.
