5. The Endocrine System And Its Relation To Exercise And Health

Question 1

What is a hormone?

Answer 1

Hormones are chemical messages – chemicals released into the bloodstream to control and manage the internal environment of the body.

Question 2

Briefly describe how hormones work within the endocrine system.

Answer 2

When an endocrine gland receives a stimulus that requires a response, it responds by initiating a release on hormones into the surrounding bloodstream. The hormones are than transported around the body seeking out specific target cells. Once the target cell has been reached it docks at the cells receptor site and initiates the desired response in the cell or group of cells. A feedback loop between the target tissue and the initiating endocrine gland reduces or stops hormone production once the hormone response has had the desired effect.

Question 3

What hormone is produce by the pituitary gland?

Answer 3

Growth hormone: stimulates growth in all areas of the body.

Question 4

What hormones are produce by the thyroid gland?

Answer 4

T3 (triiodothyronine) & T4 (thyroxine): which regulates the body’s temperature, metabolism and heart rate.

Question 5

What hormones are produce by the adrenal gland?

Answer 5

• Adrenaline (catecholamine) - fight-or-flight response
• Cortisol (corticosteroid) – manages stress levels
• Aldosterone (corticosteroid) – regulates balance of minerals sodium and potassium in the blood

Question 6

What hormones are produce by the pancreas?

Answer 6

The pancreas produces two antagonist hormones to control blood sugar levels glucagon and insulin.

Question 7

What hormone is produce by the ovaries?

Answer 7

Oestrogen: promotes the healthy development of female sex characteristics during puberty and ensures fertility. It also influences fat storage around the hips, buttocks and thighs.

Question 8

What hormone is produce by the testes?

Answer 8

Testosterone: responsible for physical changes during puberty and numerous functions of male sexuality. It also stimulates growth of the muscles tissue.

Question 9

What is the primary role of insulin and glucagon?

Answer 9

The primary role is to regulate glucose levels.

Question 10

What is the primary role of insulin and glucagon?

Answer 10

The primary role is to regulate glucose levels.

Question 11

Which hormone is released from the pancreas when blood glucose rises?

Answer 11

Insulin.

Question 12

In what circumstances might glucagon be released from the pancreas?

Answer 12

When glucose levels drop below optimal.

Question 13

Describe the main actions of testosterone and oestrogen.

Answer 13

Testosterone stimulates growth of the muscles tissue, whereas oestrogen influences fat storage around the hips, buttocks and thighs.

Question 14

Where are the adrenal glands located?

Answer 14

Sat on top of the kidneys.

Question 15

What are the two layers of the adrenals called and what hormones are produced in each of these layers?

Answer 15

Inner layer – adrenal medulla

Outer layer – adrenal cortex

Question 16

What is the primary function of cortisol?

Answer 16

Cortisol helps to provide reserves in the body for managing stress, whether mental, physical or emotional.

Question 17

What role dose aldosterone play in the body?

Answer 17

To maintain the water balance in the bloodstream.

Question 18

Which hormones are primarily responsible for human metabolism?

Answer 18

Thyroid hormones.

Question 19

Where is growth hormone produced and is it primarily an anabolic or catabolic hormone?

Answer 19

Growth hormone produced by the pituitary glad and is primarily an anabolic hormone.

Question 20

Identify three neuromuscular adaptations from training that relate directly to improvements in the nervous system.

Answer 20

• Strength
• Power
• Speed

Question 21

The endocrine system

Answer 21

Hormones: The chemicals released into the bloodstream to help control and manage the internal environment of the body.

Endocrine system: The technical name given to our hormonal controls.

Question 22

How hormones work

Answer 22

Endocrine function:

1. Endocrine gland receives stimulus.
2. Gland releases chemical hormone.
3. Hormone travels in bloodstream.
4. Hormones received by target cell receptors.
5. Cell stimulated to cause desired response.
6. Feedback to the originating gland.

Question 23

Endocrine glands

Answer 23

Question 24

The pancreas

Answer 24

Insulin control:

1. Food ingested leads to rise in blood glucose.
2. Pancreas releases insulin which drives glucose into the cells.

Glucagon control:

1. Long periods between meals or prolonged exercise may lower blood glucose levels.
2. Pancreas releases glucagon which causes liver to break down glycogen.
3. Glucose from liver glycogen restores blood levels.

Question 25

Sex hormones

Answer 25

Ovaries: release oestrogen, which influences fat storage around the hips, buttocks and thighs.

Testes: release testosterone, which plays a part in stimulating the growth of muscle tissue.

Question 26

Adrenal hormones

Answer 26

• Adrenaline (catecholamine) - fight-or-flight response
• Cortisol (corticosteroid) – manages stress levels
• Aldosterone (corticosteroid) – regulates balance of minerals sodium and potassium in the blood

Question 27

Growth and thyroid hormones (pituitary glad)

Answer 27

Growth hormone:

• Released directly from the pituitary.
• Stimulates bone growth, protein synthesis and fat burning.

Thyroid hormones:

• Released from the thyroid gland after stimulus from the pituitary.
• Controls cellular energy production, body temperature and metabolic rate.