A

Adrenal system- The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol. They are found above the kidneys.

 

Adrenaline- a hormone that is released in the body of a person who is feeling a strong emotion (such as excitement, fear, or anger) and that causes the heart to beat faster and gives the person more energy

 

Amino acids- Amino acids are used in every cell of your body to build the proteins you need to survive.

Endocrine pathway- Endocrine signalling uses chemicals called hormones to send messages throughout the body. The hormones are released from the cell into the bloodstream and can travel around the entire body.

 

E

Endorphins- a ​chemical ​naturally ​released in the ​brain to ​reduce ​pain, that in ​large ​amounts can make you ​feel ​relaxed or ​full of ​energy.

 

H

Hormone- A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs. Many hormones are secreted by special glands, such as thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland.

 

Hypoglycaemia- literally translated as low blood sugar. Hypoglycaemia occurs when blood sugar (or blood glucose) concentrations fall below a level necessary to properly support the body's need for energy and stability throughout its cells.

 

Hypothalamus- The area of the brain that secretes substances that influence pituitary and other gland function and is involved in the control of body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other processes that regulate body equilibrium.

 

I

Immune system- The system in humans and other animals that provides immunity by protecting against disease-causing agents, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The immune system is composed of the skin and mucous membranes, which provide an external barrier to infection, and the cells involved in the body's immune response, such as lymphocytes.

 

Insulin- Insulin is a hormone; a chemical messenger produced in one part of the body to have an action on another. It is a protein responsible for regulating blood glucose levels as part of metabolism.

 

N

Nervous pathway- is responsible for carrying motor and sensory information both to and from the central nervous system. This system is made up of nerves that connect to the skin, sensory organs and all skeletal muscles. The system is responsible for nearly all voluntary muscle movements as well as for processing sensory information that arrives via external stimuli including hearing, touch and sight.

 

Neurotransmitter- A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that carries, boosts, and modulates signals between neurons and other cells in the body.

 

P

Pancreas- a gland, situated near the stomach, which secretes a digestive fluid into the intestine through one or more ducts and also secretes the hormone insulin.

 

Physiological- the branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, including all physical and chemical processes.

 

S

Stimulant- a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.

 

Sympathetic pathway- The part of the autonomic nervous system that speeds up the heart and contracting the blood vessels. It also regulates the function of glands, particularly the sweat glands. The sympathetic nervous system is activated especially under conditions of stress.