-has been used to relieve negative symptoms of menopause
-may caused increased risks of stroke and cancer
hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
-regulatory chemicals that affect specific sites in the body
-produced by most plants and animals
-made by endocrine glands
hormones
-consists of all hormone-secreting cells
-is the body's main system for internal chemical regulation
endocrine system
cells that have receptors for that specific hormone
target cells
-Is part of the brain
-Is the main control center of the endocrine system
-Receives information from nerves about the:
+Internal condition of the body
+External environment
hypothalamus
-Is a pea-sized structure that hangs below the hypothalamus
-Responds to signals from the hypothalamus
-Secretes hormones that influence many body functions
pituitary gland
Secretes hormones made in the hypothalamus
posterior pituitary
-synthesizes its own hormones
-secretes hormones directly into the blood
anterior pituitary
promotes development and enlargement of all parts of the body
growth hormone
-produced by anterior pituitary
-act as natural pain killers
endorphins
produces two antagonistic hormones that play important roles in managing the body's energy supplies: insulin and glucagon
pancreas
reduces blood sugar levels
insulin
increases blood sugar levels
glucagon
paired structures resting atop the kidneys; consists of adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex
adrenal glands
-secreted by adrenal medulla
-enable body to respond to stress
-produce the fight or flight syndrome