Endocrine System

Question 1

Properties of endocrine glands

Answer 1

1. Ductless

2. Secrete hormones directly into capillaries

Question 2

Glands in the endocrine system

Answer 2

1. Hypothalamus
2. Pituitary gland
3. Pineal gland
4. Thyroid
5. Parathyroid gland
6. Thymus
7. Pancreas
8. Kidneys
9. Adrenal glands
10. Ovaries
11. Testes

Question 3

Hypothalamus function

Answer 3

• Responsible for maintenance of homeostatic secretion

- Controls hormone secretion

Question 4

Structure of pituitary gland

Answer 4

Anterior and posterior lobe

Question 5

Composition of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland

Answer 5

Glandular tissue

Question 6

Composition of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland

Answer 6

Neural tissue of the hypothalamus

Question 7

Function of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland

Answer 7

Secretes many hormones to help maintain homeostasis

Question 8

Example of hormones secreted by anterior lobe

Answer 8

• Growth hormone

- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which acts on the thyroid which releases hormones to stimulate metabolism (BMR)

Question 9

Example of hormone secreted by posterior lobe

Answer 9

Oxytocin

Question 10

Thyroid function

Answer 10

Secretes T4 and T3 hormones & calcitonin

Question 11

Function of T4 and T3 hormones

Answer 11

• Increase protein synthesis

- Increase cell respiration of all foods

Question 12

Function of calcitonin

Answer 12

• increases bone calcium content

- decreases blood calcium level when too high

Question 13

Function of the parathyroid

Answer 13

Secretes parathyroid hormone

Question 14

Why is the parathyroid hormone produced?

Answer 14

In response to calcium levels in the blood

• too low, PTH increased
• too high, PTH decreased

Question 15

Function of the pineal gland

Answer 15

Produces and regulates hormones

Question 16

Example of hormone produced by the pineal gland

Answer 16

Melatonin

Question 17

Function of melatonin

Answer 17

Important in regulating circadian rhythms

Question 18

Function of thymus

Answer 18

Secretes hormones that promote the maturation of T cells

Question 19

Composition of pancreas

Answer 19

Islet cells that are split into alpha and beta cells

Question 20

Function of alpha cells

Answer 20

Produces glucagon

Question 21

Function of beta cells

Answer 21

Produces insulin

Question 22

Function of glucagon

Answer 22

• breaks down glycogen (stored glucose)

- so produced if blood sugar levels are too low

Question 23

Function of insulin

Answer 23

Regulate blood sugar levels

Question 24

Function of kidneys

Answer 24

1. Regulate chemical balance of blood (e.g. sodium)
2. Remove waste and excess water
3. Regulate blood pressure
4. Secrete erythropoietin

Question 25

Function of erythropoietin

Answer 25

• involved in production of RBCs

- produced when oxygen levels are too low

Question 26

Function of adrenal glands

Answer 26

• produce and secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline

- cortex secretes aldosterone and cortisol

Question 27

Function of ovaries in the endocrine system

Answer 27

Secretes oestrogen, progesterone and inhibin

Question 28

Function of oestrogen, progesterone and inhibin

Answer 28

• part of the negative feedback response

- send signals to the pituitary gland to inhibit the production of FSH and LH

Question 29

FSH

Answer 29

Follicle-stimulating hormone

Question 30

LH

Answer 30

Luteinizing hormone

Question 31

Function of the testes

Answer 31

Produces and secretes testosterone and inhibin