FOUNDATIONAL TERM
Hormone
激素
A secreted chemical signal influencing target-cell activity.
Study this concept in context
18 · Hormones, endocrine systems and feedback
Hormones carry information through body fluids, but responses require suitable receptors and cellular conditions. Endocrine reasoning connects signal sources, receptors, feedback and timing.
Sources
- OpenStax: an overview of the endocrine system
- OpenStax: hormones
- OpenStax: the pituitary gland and hypothalamus
- OpenStax: the endocrine pancreas
- OpenStax: the thyroid gland
- NIDDK: Thyroid tests
Definitions come from the published lessons. Read the linked lesson for mechanisms, conditions and examples.