Hypothalamus, Pineal, Parathyroid, Thymus, Adrenals, Ovaries and Testes Flashcards
What two systems does the hypothalamus link?
The nervous and endocrine systems
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Secretes hormones that control the pituitary gland in response to messages from the brain and other hormones
What is an example of a hormone produces in the hypothalamus?
Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)
What is ADH?
Anti-diuretic hormone
What is the function of ADH?
Produced and stored in the hypothalamus and released when needed
Causes water to be reabsorbed in the kidneys (controls osmoregulation)
What is the pineal?
A tiny gland located within the brain
What is the function of the pineal?
Produces a number of hormones such as melatonin
What is melatonin?
A hormone produced by the pineal mainly when we are asleep
What is the function of melatonin?
Involved in biological rhythms such as ovulation, sleep, activity patterns and sexual maturity
How many parathyroid glands are there?
Four to six
Where are the parathyroid glands located?
Embedded in the thyroid gland
What is the function of the parathyroid glands?
To make parathormone which stimulates the release of calcium from bone into blood plasma
Where is the thymus located?
The two lobes of the thymus are located behind the breastbone in the upper chest
What is the function of the thymus?
Produces thymosin which causes lymphocytes to mature and become active which are then involved in the body’s immune system
What happens to the thymus during puberty?
It begins to degenerate but some tissue remains until middle age
