Overview Flashcards
The Endocrine System provides the means to
Allow the various differentiated cells of the body to work in harmony
The Endocrine System provides the means to
Interpret the electrical signals from the brain as biochemical signals
The Endocrine System provides the means to
Maintain Homeostasis
Two basic types of cell to cell communication
Gap junctions found in cardiac and smooth muscle cells
Two basic types of cell to cell communication
Chemical messengers
Paracrine Hormones
Specific substances secreted by one cell or one cell type which act only upon neighbouring cells
Eg- Histamine
Neurotransmitters
Short range chemical messages, released by neurones in response to an action potential
Neurohormones
Secreted into the blood by secretory glands
Eg- the releasing hormones produced by the Hypothalamus
Hormones
Secreted into the blood by the endocrine glands in response to a specific signal
Functions of Hormones
Control of growth and development
Functions of Hormones
Regulation of the operation of reproductive systems
Pituitary gland
Forms the primary interface between electrical activity of the brain and biochemical activity of other body organs
Aldosterone
Functions to increase sodium reabsorption
Which substance acts on the intestines and increases calcium absorption
Calcitriol
Two primary functions of the integumentary system
Protections through the Langerhans cells
