the endocrine system Flashcards
(16 cards)
hormones
chemical molecules released directly into the blood
what is the endocrine gland made up of?
hormones and glands
how does the endocrine system work?
glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream then the blood carries the hormone to a target organ where it produces an effect
describe the pituitary gland
- the ‘master gland’ in the brain
- secretes several hormones into the blood in response to body conditions
- these hormones in turn act on other glands to stimulate other hormones to be released to bring about effects
what are the 6 glands to know?
- pituitary gland
- thyroid
- adrenal gland
- ovaries
- testes
- pancreas
where is the pituitary gland found?
brain
where is the thyroid gland found?
throat
where is the adrenal gland found?
behind kidneys
what hormone is produced by each of the glands?
- thyroid gland: thyroxine
- adrenal gland: adrenaline
- ovaries: oestrogen, progesterone
- testes: testosterone
- pancreas: insulin, glucagon
- pituitary: LH, FSH, ADH
thyroxine target organ and effect
CNS, skeletal muscles, skin etc.
stimulates basal metabolic rate, growth and development, heart rate, temperature
adrenaline gland target organ and effect
heart, muscles etc., prepare for flight or fight
oestrogen and progesterone target organ and affect
uterus, maintain uterus lining
testosterone target organ and affect
reproductive organs, skin, muscle etc., controls puberty in males
insulin and glucagon target organ and affect
liver, control blood glucose concentration
pituitary gland hormones target organ
- regulate body conditions
differences between nervous system and endocrine system
nervous: electrical, CNS, quick action, act for a short time, general way
endocrine: glands, chemical, slow action, act for a long time, precise area
