hormones and sexual development Flashcards
(33 cards)
what is the endocrine system
a non synaptic form of communication, uses hormones/chemicals, named from the greek word Mormon meaning to excite, useful for coordinating long lasting changes in the body
what are amine hormones
synthesised from one amino acid e.g. adrenaline, thyroxine, noradrenaline
what are peptide and protein hormones
hormones made from multiple amino acids e.g. insulin
what are steroid hormones
made from cholesterol e.g. oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone
what is the pineal gland
realises melatonin- increases sleepiness, influences the sleep/wake cycle, role in the onset of puberty
what is the hypothalamus
influences the release of hormones by the pituitary gland
what is the thyroid gland
releases thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), primarily responsible for regulation of metabolism, helps regulate growth and maturation
what is the parathyroid gland
releases parathyroid hormone, regulates calcium levels within the blood and bones
what is the thymus gland
releases thymosin, supports the body’s immune responses, particularly active in children- defence against disease
what is the adrenal cortex
releases mineralcorticoids- Aldosterone (reduces salt in kidneys, controlling blood pressure and volume) and glucocorticoids- cortisol (stimulates the liver to increase blood sugar, increases the metabolism of proteins and fats)
what is each adrenal gland divided into
adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla
what is the adrenal medulla
releases adrenaline and noradrenaline which prepare the body for fight/flight
what does the pancreas do
maintains blood sugar levels and releases insulin (helps glucose move from the blood to cells where energy is needed) and glucagon (releases glucose stored in the liver into the bloodstream)
what does the ovaries do
releases oestrogen (promotes female sexual characteristics) and progesterone (helps prepare the uterus for/and maintain pregnancy)
what does the testes do
releases androgens (male sex hormones inc testosterone, promotes sperm production, pubic hair growth, male sexual characteristics)
what are the tropic hormones
influence the release of other hormones. Most tropic hormones are produced by the anterior pituitary gland
what is sometimes called the master gland
the pituitary gland
what is the anterior pituitary gland
stimulates growth in childhood, stimulates the thyroid gland, increases steroid hormones by adrenal gland, increases sexual hormones
what is the posterior pituitary
milk release in nursing mothers, sexual pleasure, constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure
what controls the posterior pituitary gland
controlled by nerves originating from the hypothalamus
what controls the anterior pituitary gland
controlled by blood borne factors released by the hypothalamus
what is the posterior pituitary gland controlled by
by nerves originating from the hypothalamus
what is the anterior pituitary gland controlled by
by blood borne factors released by the hypothalamus
what is hormone regulation released by
the nervous system, non hormonal chemicals in the blood, hormones
