The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is ‘The Endocrine System’?

Answer 1

• One of the body’s major information systems that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are carried towards target organs in the body.

Question 2

What is a ‘Gland’?

Answer 2

• An organ that releases hormones.

Question 3

What is a ‘Hormone’?

Answer 3

• Chemical substances that circulate in the bloodstream and only impact target organs. They are produced in large quantities. Their effects are very powerful.

Question 4

What is the ‘Fight or Flight’ response?

Answer 4

• The way an animal responds when stressed.
• The body becomes physiologically aroused in readiness to fight or flee an aggressor.

Question 5

What is ‘Adrenaline’?

Answer 5

• A hormone produced by the adrenal glands which is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system.
• It has a strong effects on the cells of the cardiovascular system stimulating heart rate, contracting blood vessel and dilating air passages.

Question 6

Summaries the ‘Fight or Flight’ response.

Answer 6

• Hypothalamus recognizes threat
• ANS changes from parasympathetic to sympathetic
• Sympathetic sends signal to Pituitary gland
• It then releases adrenocorticotropic hormone which tells the adrenal gland to release adrenaline.
• Adrenaline Increases heart and breathing rate, dilates pupil, inhibits digestion and saliva and contracts rectum.

Question 7

Name three glands and their hormones.

Answer 7

• Thyroid - thyroxine
• Adrenal - adrenaline
• Pituitary - melatonin