Learning Objectives

Indicate important differences between hormonal and neural controls of body functioning.
List the major endocrine organs, and describe their body locations.
Describe how hormones are classified chemically.
Describe the two major mechanisms by which hormones bring about their effects on their target tissues.
List three kinds of interaction of different hormones acting on the same target cell.
Explain how hormone release is regulated.
Describe structural and functional relationships between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
List and describe the chief effects of anterior pituitary hormones.
Discuss the structure of the posterior pituitary, and describe the effects of the two hormones it releases.
Follow the process of thyroxine formation and release.
Indicate general functions of parathyroid hormone.
List hormones produced by the adrenal gland, and cite their physiological effects.
Compare and contrast the effects of the two major pancreatic hormones.