M7S1: Overview Of Endocrine Glands

Question 1

Endocrine system

Answer 1

-system of organs that called glands and secrete hormones that release them into blood stream to circulate body and make effect

Common endocrine glands:
-hypothalamus (funnels nerve signals into there) (known as control center as between endocrine and nervous suystem dual role) (makes ADH (fluid regulation hormone) and oxytocin (uterus contract during pregnancy hormone))
-pituitary gland (smaller than hypothalamus)

Question 2

Systems that endocrine system impacts

Answer 2

-cardiovascular system
-reproductive system
-digestive system
(All systems in body)

Question 3

What two types of glands does the body use to secrete products

Answer 3

Endocrine - cells of these glands secrete hormones directly into the interstitial fluid surrounding the secretory cells. The hormones are then picked up by blood capillaries
Exocrine - glands that secrete cell products into a duct system

In Greek “endo” = within, “exo” = outside so remember endocrine glands secrete their hormones within the gland, while exocrine glands secrete their hormones outside of the gland

Question 4

Hormones

Answer 4

-endocrine glands release these molecules
-act as chemical messengers, travelling through blood circulation to cause an affect on target organ

• many medications use exogenous hormones (hormones not made within body) to induce chemical signalling that would otherwise not be present. These medications can be helpful for disease treatment and prevention of pregnancy

Question 5

Overview of the endocrine gland system

Answer 5

-secrete hormones directly into blood stream to produce a variety of effects on body

Pituitary Gland- small gland (pea-sized) at base of brain that extends from hypothalamus
-known as “master gland”
-produces and releases hormones that control all other endocrine glands

Thyroid Gland- sits anterior to trachea and produces thyroid hormones important for metabolism
-also involves in calcium homeostasis

Parathyroid Glands- four small oval glands
-situated on back of thyroid gland
-paired, with 2 superior and 2 inferior
-involved in maintenance of calcium homeostasis

Adrenal Glands
-paired glands that sit on top of each kidney
-aka suprarenal glands
-produce corticosteroids and maintain fluid balance

Pancreas
-endocrine and exocrine gland
-located posterior to stomach, extending from duodenum (first part of small intestine) to spleen
-main endocrine function is to control sugar levels in blood
*refer to goodnote image

Question 6

Corticosteroids

Answer 6

A group of steroid hormones that produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland and responsible for several functions: glucose metabolism, sex characteristics, and electrolyte balance of body fluid