the endocrine system

Question 1

what does the endocrine system do?

Answer 1

• major info system that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream
• hormones are carried toward target organs in the body

Question 2

what does the pituitary gland in the endocrine system do?

Answer 2

• located in the brain
• controls the release of hormones from all the other endocrine glands in the body

Question 3

define hormones

Answer 3

a chemical substance that circulates in the bloodstream and only affects target organs

• large quantities
• disappear quickly
• effects are very powerful

Question 4

fight or flight response

Answer 4

1. body senses and becomes aware of an stressor in the environment
2. Through sensory receptors and sensory neurons in the PNS, this info is sent to the hypothalamus in the
   the brain which coordinates response and triggers
   increased levels of activity in the sympathetic branch of
   the ANS.
3. Adrenaline is released and is transported to
   target effectors, via the blood and through the action of the endocrine system.
4. the rectum contracting, saliva production is inhibited, and a greater breathing rate.

• This creates the physiological response needed to sustain the fight or flight response, enables us to escape the stressor and so increases the likelihood of our survival

5. Once the stressor is no longer a threat, the hypothalamus triggers less activity in the sympathetic branch and more activity in the parasympathetic branch of the ANS. This is also referred to as the rest and digest response, due to the parasympathetic
   branch decreasing the activity which was originally increased through the action of the
   sympathetic branch.