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Endocrine System: Hormones

Author: Amanda Soderlind

Source: Video and Images Created by Amanda Soderlind

Video Transcript
Terms to Know
Endocrine System

A system of glands that produces and secretes hormones into the bloodstream; the endocrine system is used to communicate on a broad scale to the cells in the body.

Gland

Glands are clusters of cells that produce and secrete specific molecules. Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, where they can quickly reach their target cells anywhere in the body.

Hormones

The major chemical messenger (derived from either amino acids or lipids) of the endocrine system. Hormones are produced, stored and secreted by glands; hormones either increase or decrease activity of the cells with which they interact.

Opposing Interaction

A term used to describe hormones that create opposite effects of one another. An example would be: insulin lowers blood glucose while glucagon elevates blood glucose.

Permissive Interaction

When one hormone allows another hormone to have its full effect. An example would be: thyroid hormones allowing growth hormone to have its full metabolic effects.

Synergistic Interaction

A term used to describe hormones that create similar effects through slightly different mechanisms. An example would be: ADH stimulating kidneys to retain water while aldosterone stimulates kidneys to retain sodium, which in turn retains water.

Target Cell

The cell or group of cells with which a hormone is designed to interact.