Endocrine Glands and Embryogenesis

A type of cell communication where a cell releases a signaling molecule that acts on nearby cells, without entering the bloodstream.

A type of cell communication where a cell produces a signaling molecule that acts on itself.

Hormones derived from cholesterol, produced by the gonads (testes and ovaries) and adrenal cortex.

Hormones composed of protein or peptides, produced by the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and endocrine pancreas (e.g., insulin).

A collection of scattered cells having both endocrine and neural characteristics, primarily located along the gastrointestinal tract. They release hormones that regulate digestive processes and other functions.

Cells in the gastrointestinal tract that secrete hormones, influencing digestive functions. They are named for being able to take up amine precursors that undergo decarboxylation, or 'amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation,' and can be stained with silver and chromium salts.

A group of scattered cells with both endocrine and neural characteristics, located mainly in the digestive system, which release hormones influencing digestion and other functions.

A hormone produced by the stomach that stimulates gastric secretion and intestinal motility.

A hormone produced by the small intestine that stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile from the gallbladder.

A hormone produced by the small intestine that stimulates the secretion of bicarbonate by the pancreas.

A hormone that promotes the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

A system of blood vessels connecting the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary gland, allowing hormonal communication.

The posterior pituitary gland releases two important hormones: ADH (antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin) and oxytocin. They are stored in the Herring bodies within the gland before release.

A condition where there's inadequate growth hormone (GH) production during childhood. This leads to slowed bone growth and abnormally short stature. The epiphyseal plates (growth plates) in the bones close prematurely.

A condition caused by excessive growth hormone production during childhood. This leads to significant increase in bone length and other organs, resulting in extremely tall individuals but with normal body proportions.

A condition due to hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) after puberty. The overproduction primarily affects the extremities, causing enlargement of the hands, feet, head, and facial features.

The pineal gland is located near the base of the brain. It's small and shaped like a pine cone. The gland is composed of cells that produce hormones and calcium concretions.

The pineal gland is light-sensitive and regulates the circadian rhythm.

The pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone secreted mainly at night. Melatonin is involved in regulating the circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycles) and influencing the release of gonadotropins (hormones controlling sexual development).

The thyroid gland, located in the anterior portion of the neck, has a butterfly shape. It contains follicles, units that store thyroglobulin, the precursor for thyroid hormones T3 and T4. These units also contain C cells, which produce calcitonin.

The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism. It also produces calcitonin, a hormone involved in calcium regulation.

These cells are responsible for producing the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (tetraiodothyronine). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, oxygen consumption, and body temperature.

These cells are responsible for producing calcitonin, a hormone that regulates calcium metabolism in the body. It acts to lower blood calcium levels by promoting calcium deposition in bones and inhibiting bone resorption.

The thyroid gland stores this inactive form of thyroid hormones extracellularly. It only releases active hormones when there's a signal from the body.

This hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, regulates the activity of follicular cells in the thyroid gland.

This hormone, produced by the parathyroid glands, plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood. It increases calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption, inhibiting calcium excretion by the kidneys, and promoting the active form of vitamin D.

The process of removing calcium from bones, which is primarily mediated by osteoclasts.

These cells are found in the parathyroid glands and are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH).

These cells are also found in the parathyroid glands, but their exact function is still unknown.

These cells are responsible for breaking down bone tissue, releasing calcium ions into the bloodstream.