Endocrine System Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the Endocrine System?

A
  • Instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream.
  • Works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body.
  • Slower than NS but has powerful widespread effects.
  • Comprises of a series of glands in the body that produce and release bodily chemicals known as hormones.
  • Uses blood vessels to deliver hormones to their target sites within the body.
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2
Q

Glands

A
  • Endocrine glands produce and secrete hormones that regulate the activity of cells or organs
  • Major glands - pituitary, adrenal and reproductive organs.
  • Each gland produces different hormones.
  • A signal is sent from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland to release a stimulating hormone into the bloodstream. Then signals target gland to secrete a hormone.
  • As hormone increases in bloodstream, hypothalamus shuts down secretion of stimulating hormone. Slows down secretion of target glands hormone, resulting in stable concentrations of hormones circulating in the bloodstream.
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3
Q

Hormones

A
  • Chemicals that circulate in bloodstream and are carried to target cells in the body.
  • Although hormones come into contact with most cells, they usually only affect a limited number of cells known as target cells.
  • Target cells respond to hormone as they have receptors for that hormone. Enough receptors stimulated results in physiological change in the body.
  • Timing of release is very important.
  • Too much or too little at wrong time can result in dysfunction.
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4
Q

Pituitary Gland

A
  • Located in the brain.
  • Pea sized.
  • Known as master gland as it influences release of hormones from other glands and regulates functioning of all other glands.
  • Controlled by hypothalamus.
  • Produces hormones that travel in bloodstream to target.
  • These can either cause changes in the body or stimulate other glands to produce other hormones.
  • High hormone levels can stop hypothalamus and pituitary glands releasing more of their own hormone. Called negative feedback and prevents hormone level from getting to high.
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5
Q

Adrenal Glands

A
  • Located above kidneys.
  • Produce adrenaline which increases heart rate, BP and blood sugar.
  • Adrenal cortex produces cortisol which regulates or supports a variety of important bodily functions including cardiovascular and anti inflammatory infections.
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6
Q

Testes

A
  • Control release of the male hormone - testosterone
  • Testosterone causes the development of male characteristics such as growth of facial hair etc.
  • Production is controlled by hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
  • Hypothalamus instructs pituitary gland on how much testosterone to produce and pituitary gland passes message along to testes.
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7
Q

Ovaries

A
  • Responsible for production of eggs and for hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
  • Progesterone has been found to be associated with heightened sensitivity to social cues. Helps people identify social threats or social support.
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