Endocrine System Part One Flashcards
what is an endocrine gland?
glands that secrete their products (hormones) directly into the blood
organs whose sole purpose are to produce hormones
what is an exocrine gland?
glands that produce and secrete substances onto an epithelial surface by the way of a duct
how does the endocrine system contribute to homeostasis?
as the hormones produced throughout the system regulate the activity of body cells
What are hormones?
steriod or amino acid based molecules released into the blood, which act as chemical messengers to regulate specific body functions
What are the three stimuli that control hormone secretion?
- Humoral stimuli (changes in plasma solute concentrations of ions or organic nutrients)
- Neural stimuli ( regulation by the nervous system)
- Hormonal stimuli (regulation by other hormones)
What are target cells?
cells that have a specific receptor for a specific hormone
What organ produces melatonin and what is its function?
- Pineal gland
- to regulate day/night cycles
What controls the secretion and production of hormones by the pituitary gland?
the hypothalamus
What organ produces oxytocin and what is its function?
- the posterior pituitary
- stimulates contraction of smooth muscle in the uterus and is involves with labour and during breastfeeding
What organ produces ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and what is its function?
- the posterior pituitary
- released in response to; decreased blood volume, pressure or increased blood concentration. Causes kidney’s to reabsorb water , reduce sweating and constrict arterioles
What organ produces growth hormone (GH) and what is its function?
- the anterior pituitary
- promotes protein synthesis and growth of body cells
What organ produces Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and what is its function?
- the anteriuor pituitary
- contols production and release of thyriod hormone by the thyroid gland
What organ produces Adrenocortropic hormone (ACTH) and what is its function?
- the anterior pituitary
- controls hormone production and release by the adrenal cortex
What organ produces Prolactin (PRL) and what is its function?
- the anterior pituitary
- starts and maintains milk production
What organ produces Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and what is its function for women and men?
- the anterior pituitary
- women; stimulate develpopment of ova and production of progesterone
- men; stimulate sperm production