A cell in the body that recognizes a hormone’s chemical structure Endocrine System The body’s system of glands that produce and release chemical products directly into the bloodstream Hormone A chemical in an organism that produces a specific effect such as growth or development Target Cell A cell in the body that recognizes a hormone’s chemical structure Hypothalamus A part of the brain that links the nervous system and the endocrine system Pituitary Gland Controls many body functions, including growth, blood pressure and water balance

Thyroid Gland Pancreas Thymus Gland Testes Ovaries Controls the release of energy from food Pancreas Produces insulin which controls the level of glucose in the body Thymus Gland Helps develop the immune system in early childhood Testes Controls the changes in a male’s body during puberty Ovaries Controls the changes in a female’s body during puberty

Adrenal Gland Negative Feedback Zygote Embryo Fetus Triggers the body’s response to emergency situations Negative Feedback A process in which a system is turned off by the condition it produces Zygote A fertilized egg Embryo A developing human during the first eight weeks after fertilization Fetus A developing human from the ninth week of development until birth

Amniotic Sac Placenta Umbilical Cord Adolescence Puberty A fluid filled sac that cushions and protects a developing embryo and fetus in the uterus Placenta A membrane that becomes the link between the developing embryo or fetus and the mother Umbilical Cord A rope like structure that forms between the embryo or fetus and the placenta Adolescence The stage of development between childhood and adulthood where children become adults physically and mentally Puberty The period of sexual development in which the body becomes able to reproduce