 | Term | Definition |
| |
hormone |
substance produced in one part of an organism that affects another part of the same organism |
| |
target cell |
cell that has a receptor for a particular hormone |
| |
exocrine gland |
gland that releases its secretions thorugh tubelike structures called ducts |
| |
endocrine gland |
gland that releases its secretions directly into the bloodstream |
| |
prostaglandin |
hormone-like modified fatty acid produced by a wide range of cells; generally affects only nearby cells and tissues |
| |
pituitary gland |
gland in the base of the skull that secretes nine hormones that directly regulate many body functions and control the actions of several other endocrine glands |
| |
diabetes mellitus |
condition that occurs when the pancreas produces too little insulin, resulting in an increase in the level of blood glucose |
| |
ovary |
the female gonad that produces eggs |
| |
testis |
male reproductive organ that produces sperm |
| |
major endocrine glands |
pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and reproductive glands |
| |
GH |
growth hormone |
| |
Zygote |
Fertilized egg |
| |
Implantation |
Process in which a blastocyst attaches itself to the wall of the uterus |
| |
Differentiation |
Process in which cells become specialized in structure and function |
| |
Gastrulation |
Process of cell migration by which a third layer of cells is formed within the cavity of a blastocyst |
| |
Neurulation |
Development of the nervous system |
| |
Placenta |
Organ through which nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and wastes are exchanged between embryo and mother |
| |
fetus |
Human embryo after eight weeks of development |
