The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the function of the endocrine system?

Answer 1

To work alongside the central nervous system to release hormones in response to environmental stimuli.

Question 2

Compare the effects of the endocrine system to the nervous system.

Answer 2

The endocrine system works more slowly than the nervous system but it’s effects are longer lasting

Question 3

What is the hypothalamus?

Answer 3

An area of the brain that stimulates and controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.

Question 4

What is the pituitary gland?
What does it do?

Answer 4

The master gland. It is responsible for the release of many hormones. Some of these hormones coordinate the release of other hormones.

Question 5

Name 2 hormones the pituitary gland secretes and describe what these hormones do.
Are these hormones released from the anterior or posterior?

Answer 5

Oxytocin (Posterior) - Produces anti stress effects.
ACTH (Anterior) - Regulates the immune system, stress, blood sugar/pressure.

Question 6

What hormone does the pineal gland release?
What does this hormone do?

Answer 6

Melatonin
Regulates our internal body clock in response to light.

Question 7

What hormone does the thyroid gland release?
What does this hormone do?

Answer 7

Thyroxine
Regulates metabolism and energy use in the body.

Question 8

What hormone does the adrenal medulla release?
What does this hormone do?

Answer 8

Adrenaline
Triggers physiological changes in the body for fight or flight, such as faster breathing rate.

Question 9

What hormone does the adrenal cortex release?
What does this hormone do?

Answer 9

Cortisol
Slows non essential functions for the fight or flight response.

Question 10

What hormone do the ovaries release?
What does this hormone do?

Answer 10

Oestrogen
Regulates the menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Question 11

What hormone do the testes release?
What does this hormone do?

Answer 11

Testosterone
Responsible for the development of male sex characteristics.