Life on Earth

Chapter 25
Chemical Control of the Human Body: The Endocrine System
[logo]
At a Glance
TopNext
At a Glance
Hyperlinks
Self-Quiz
Spacer
Search Engines
Newsgroups
E-Mail
Spacer
User Guide
Feedback
Hormone Structure and Function
  • Hormones have a variety of chemical structures.
  • Hormones function by binding to specific receptors on target cells.
  • Hormones are regulated by feedback mechanisms.

    The Human Endocrine System
  • Mammals have both exocrine and endocrine glands.
  • The hypothalamus controls the secretions of the pituitary gland.
  • The thyroid and parathyroid glands are located in the neck.
  • The pancreas is both an exocrine and an endocrine gland.
  • The sex organs secrete steroid hormones.
  • The adrenal glands have two parts that secrete different hormones.
  • Many types of cells produce prostaglandins.
  • Other endocrine organs include the pineal gland, thymus, kidneys, heart, and digestive tract.

    Evolutionary Connections: The Evolution of Hormones



  • PH Sower © 1997 by Prentice-Hall, Inc.
    Simon & Schuster/A Viacom Company
    Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

    Legal Statement