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Function of endocrine system

Chemical control center of the body works closely with the nervous system

Endocrine glands

secrete chemicals called hormones


chemicals that are produced by glands, released into the blood and act on distant cells.

Target cells

cells that hormones act on


proteins sticking out of membranes of target cells. Difference cells have different receptors

Amino acid based hormones

Epinephrine, insulin, adrenaline. Affect enzyme activity to initiate a short term change in the target cell.

Steroid based hormones

Testosterone, estrogen. Affect transcription of DNA to initiate long term changes in target cells.

Pituitary gland

master gland, controls many hormones


Sends messages to pituitary to turn on/off hormones.

Pineal gland

Secretes melatonin

Thyroid gland

Secretes metabolism growth hormone

Thymus gland

Defends body against germs

Parathyroid gland

Regulates calcium levels

Adrenal gland

Affects "fight of flight" response


regulates glucose levels


Produce eggs and secondary sex characteristics


Produces sperm and secondary sex characteristics

Negative feedback

A release of an initial hormone releases another hormone which stops the initial hormone

Positive feedback

A release of an initial hormone releases another hormone which tells the initial to keep going.

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