Endocrine System Flashcards
What does the endocrine system control?
Growth and development
Define gland
A structure which secretes a specific chemical substance
Define endocrine gland
A gland that produces and releases chemical substances that signal changes in other parts of the body
Explain why the endocrine gland is referred to as ‘ductless’
The cells that produce insulin pass it directly into the bloodstream and not into a duct.
Define hormone
Chemical substance produced by an endocrine gland
What gland is called the ‘master gland’? Why?
Pituitary Gland because it’s hormones directly control body functions, when the other glands will produce their hormones
What controls the activity of the pituitary gland?
Hypothalamus
Underproduction of pituitary growth hormone results in _______
Dwarfism
Overproduction of pituitary growth hormone results in _______
Gigantism
Function of ADH (pituitary hormone)
Causes the kidney to reabsorb water from urine
Function of thyroid-stimulating hormone
Causes the thyroid gland to release thyroxine
What cells are responsible for producing 2 hormones in the pancreas
Islets of Langerhans
What does insulin do?
Reduces blood glucose level
What does glucagon do?
Raises blood glucose level if it gets too low?
