2.2: The Endocrine System

Question 1

Endocrine System

Answer 1

Our body’s chemical communication system.

It operates through glands that secrete hormones through our bloodstream.

These hormones travel to the specified organ and bind to the receptor, where a desired response is created.

Question 2

Pituitary Gland

Answer 2

Known as the master gland; located in our brain and is controlled by the hypothalamus.

It’s in charge of things such as metabolism, emotion, sleep, and blood pressure.

As you can tell, it’s one of the most important systems in our body.

Question 3

Components of the Endocrine System That Can Be Located in Very Different Locations:

Answer 3

• Endocrine glands (pineal gland, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland) in your brain.
• Thyroid and parathyroids in your neck.
• Adrenal glands near your kidney.
• Pancreas near your stomach.

Question 4

Hormones

Answer 4

Operate identically to neurotransmitters; therefore, our endocrine and nervous system work closely with one another.

However, since the messages of the endocrine system travel through our bloodstream, they are slower than the fast electrochemical messages of the nervous system.

They also last longer than the nervous system, as hormones take a while to dissipate from our bloodstream.

Hormones also play a huge role in human development.

Question 5

Pineal Gland

Answer 5

Produces melatonin and helps regulate your circadian rhythm.

Question 6

Hypothalamus

Answer 6

Controls the pituitary gland and is very significant in our endocrine system.

It releases hormones and has a lot to do with the “4 Fs:” Fighting, Fleeing, Feeding, Mating.

Question 7

Pituitary Gland

Answer 7

Controls growth and produces/releases hormones such as oxytocin, which promotes pair bonding and social trust.

Question 8

Thyroid Gland

Answer 8

For AP Psych, all you should know about this gland is that it affects metabolism.

Question 9

Parathyroids

Answer 9

They simply regulate the level of calcium in your blood.

Question 10

Adrenal Glands

Answer 10

These glands trigger our flight or fight responses.

They also release epinephrine (better known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine.

This is connected to the automatic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that controls our involuntary responses.

During a flight or fight response, the heart rate or blood pressure is affected.

Question 11

Pancreas

Answer 11

Regulates the level of blood sugar and releases a hormone called insulin.

It also helps with digestion

Question 12

Testis and Ovaries

Answer 12

Reproductive organs in the male and female, respectively.

They both release sex hormones to promote growth.