Endocrine System Flashcards
(29 cards)
What does the endocrine system do?
The endocrine system regulates, controls and coordinates the growth and development of the body as well as how your body uses energy.
Homeostasis meaning
The process by which the body keeps it’s internal environment stable
What if there is an imbalance of homeostasis?
leading to a disease such as cancer
What are the major endocrine glands?
Pituitary gland, Hypothalamus, Thyroid gland, Adrenal glands, Pancreas, Ovaries (in females), Testes (in males)
What hormone does the pituitary gland release?
releases growth hormones
What hormone does the thyroid release?
Thyroxine which regulates metabolism, energy levels, overall growth
What hormone does the adrenal gland release?
Adrenaline for stressful situations including the fight or flight response
What hormone does the pancreas release?
Helps with blood regulation, releases insulin and glucagon
What hormone does the ovaries release?
Oestrogen for women it regulates the menstrual cycle
Testosterone produced in smaller amounts compared to males
What hormones does the testes release?
Testosterone which regulates sperm production
What is the hypothalamus?
Control centre in the brain
What does the hypothalamus do?
receives messages from the nervous system and uses these to initiate the endocrine system into action
The nervous system communicates through?
the use of electrical impulses
The endocrine system communicates through?
use of chemical molecules called hormones
Differences between endocrine and nervous system?
Endocrine - slow travel, but longer lasting response
Nervous - travels very fast, but results in a quick response
What is the endocrine system made up of?
Glands
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemicals that are produced and released from endocrine glands into the bloodstream where it can be transported around the body
Why does the endocrine system respond slower?
because it takes time to produce hormones, and for those hormones to travel to where they need to go
What is the main function of the hypothalamus?
is to tell the pituitary gland to start or stop producing hormones.
What is the pituitary gland known as?
It is known as the ‘master gland’ as it produces hormones which tell those glands to release their own hormones
What is the scientific word for sugar?
Glucose
What does glucagon do?
Help raise blood sugar levels
Label of steps for negative feedback?
stimulus - receptor - control centre - effector - response
How is blood glucose regulated?
It is regulated by the negative feedback pathway
