Endocrine system Flashcards
what is the role of the endocrine system?
the endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones
what are hormones?
hormones are chemical messengers that are sent to organs via the blood for a certain task
what are 3 comparisons between the endocrine and nervous systems?
- the mediator molecules are hormones in the endocrine system, and neurotransmitters in the nervous system
- site of action: hormones bind directly to target cells, but neurotransmitters bind to receptors on target cell/other neutron
- hormones can take seconds to minutes to days to start working, but neurotransmitters only take milliseconds
where is the anterior pituitary gland located and what hormone does it produce?
the anterior pituitary gland is attached to the hypothalamus of the brain. It produces many hormones, including growth hormone.
What is the function of growth hormone and how is it stimulated?
growth hormone regulates growth, metabolism and body comp. It is stimulated by stress, deep sleep and exercise.
where is the posterior pituitary gland located and what hormone does it produce?
the posterior pituitary gland is also attached to the hypothalamus in the brain. It produces oxytocin.
what is the function of the hormone oxytocin?
oxytocin hormone aids in childbirth and breastfeeding
how does oxytocin aid in childbirth?
there are 5 steps to this:
- the fetus head pushes against the cervix
- this stimulates nerve impulses to send signals to the brain
- the posterior pituitary gland then reacts by secreting oxytocin
- oxytocin is carried to the uterus via bloodstream
- the oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions which pushes the baby towards the cervix
how does oxytocin aid in breastfeeding?
there are 4 steps to this:
- the infant suckling stimulates nerve signals to be sent to the brain
- the posterior pituitary gland then secretes oxytocin
- oxytocin is sent to the breasts via the bloodstream
- this stimulates the breasts to contact and the glands in the nipples release milk
where is the thyroid gland located and what hormone does it produce?
the thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck. It produces calcitonin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine
what are the functions of the thyroid hormones are what stimulates them?
the thyroid hormones regulate body metabolism. they are stimulated by low low levels of T3 or T4, low ,metabolic rate, and conditions where more energy is needed for homeostasis such as extreme climates and pregnancy
what is a condition associated with the thyroid not functioning optimally?
a condition associated with the thyroid is grave’s disease. it is due to hyperthyroidism and symptoms include weight loss, excessive sweating and inflamed eye muscles.
where are the parathyroid glands located and what hormones do they produce?
there are 4 parathyroid glands are they are located on the surface of the thyroid gland in the neck. they produce parathyroid hormone which is a protein hormone.
what is the function of parathyroid hormone and how does It carry out this function?
parathyroid hormone regulates blood calcium levels. it does this by taking calcium from bones as needed, promoting conservation of calcium in kidneys during urine production, and increasing calcium absorption in intestines during digestion.
where is the thymus gland located and what hormone does it produce?
the thymus gland is located beside the heart. It produces thymosin