Ch. 7.13 Endocrine System Key Terms
Adrenal glands
Located on top of the kidneys, they produce hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and aldosterone.
Ovaries
Female gonads that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Pancreas
A dual-function gland that releases digestive enzymes (exocrine) and hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream (endocrine).
Parathyroid glands
Four small glands on the back of the thyroid that regulate blood calcium levels.
Pineal body
Located in the brain, it produces melatonin to regulate sleep cycles.
Pituitary gland
Often called the "master gland," it is located at the base of the brain and controls many other endocrine glands
Placenta
A temporary endocrine organ during pregnancy that produces hormones to support fetal development
Testes
Male gonads that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.
Thymus
Located in the upper chest, it is important for immune function, producing white blood cells.
Thyroid gland
A butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones (T3, T4) that affect metabolism
Endocrine glands
A group of cells that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Endocrine system
The entire network of glands that regulate the body's functions through hormones
Exocrine glands
Glands that secrete substances into ducts, which then carry the secretions to a body cavity or the surface of the skin (e.g., sweat glands, salivary glands).