3.4 Endocrine System Flashcards
Major glands of the endocrine system?
Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, testes
Hormones
Chemical messengers secreted by glands in the endocrine system, that travel through the blood and act on target organs
Metabolism
The total chemical changes by which the nutritional and functional activities of an organism are maintained.
Insulin
A hormone that reduces the level of sugar in the blood by facilitating transports into cells, produced in the pancreas
Glucagon
A hormone that can increase the blood sugar level, produced in the pancreas
Pituitary gland
Small, pea-shaped gland at the base of the brain. Controls the activities of all other endocrine glands. Stimulates skeletal and body growth, development of sex organs, regulation of blood pressure, the reproductive process, and muscle development
Thyroid gland
Located at the base of the neck below the larynx, hormones help regulate the rate of metabolism and maintain the bodies calcium and phosphorus levels.
Parathyroid gland
4 pea-shaped glands located on the thyroid that control the bloods calcium level
Adrenal glands
Located on the top of each kidney these glands release adrenaline to increase heart rate and physical strength during sudden stress. Enhances our ability to think and respond more quickly than usual in emergency situations.
Pancreas
Located just below the stomach, this gland Produces two primary hormones: Insulin and glucagon.
Ovaries
Female sex glands that produce estrogen and progesterone. Responsible for the development of female characteristics (E) and regulates the menstrual cycle (E+P)
Testes
Male sex glands that produce the hormone testosterone that simulates the development of masculine characteristics.
Thyroidectomy
Removal of all or part of the thyroid gland
Oophorectomy
Removal of an ovary
Orchiectomy
Removal of a testicle
