The Endocrine System

Question 1

Define the endocrine system

Answer 1

Information system that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream and are carried to target organs

Question 2

What’s a gland

Answer 2

An organ in the body that synthesises hormones

Question 3

What are hormones?

Answer 3

Chemical substances that circulate in the bloodstream and only affects target organs

Question 4

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Answer 4

Known as the ‘master gland’ as it influences the release of hormones from other glands

Question 5

What’s the function of the adrenal gland?

Answer 5

It secretes the release of adrenaline so is an important part of fight or flight response

Question 6

What is the fight or flight response?

Answer 6

It’s generated by the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic branch).
It is a reflex response designed to help physically under threat or in times of stress (body perceives stress as a threat) and facilitates optimal functioning

Question 7

What’s the role of adrenaline?

Answer 7

Immediate stress response which effects the cardiovascular system - stimulating heart rate, contracting blood vessels and dilating air passages

Question 8

Describe the flight or flight response starting from the stressor/threat (route of response)

Answer 8

Stressor/threat activates the hypothalamus
-> activates the autonomic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system raises the body’s arousal (HR and BR increase)
-> adrenal medulla release adrenaline into bloodstream
FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE occurs
-> increased oxygen and glucose levels in blood, reduced digestive system activity
-> causes a surge of energy, pupils dilate, sweating occurs, muscles tense
The stressor disappears
Parasympathetic nervous system returns the body back to normal

Question 9

What are the 7 physiological reactions in the fight or flight response and their purpose?

Answer 9

Increased heart rate - to speed up the blood flow to vital organs and muscles and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body

Faster breathing rate - to increase oxygen intake

Muscle tension - to improve reaction time and speed

The production of sweat - to facilitate temperature regulation

Reduced functioning of the digestive and immune systems - to save energy for prioritised functions e.g running

The flow of blood is diverted from the surface of the skin - blood is needed by organs/muscles used to flee or fight