The endocrine system Flashcards
Revise it! (14 cards)
What controls the actions of the endocrine system?
The brain
The brain regulates the functions of the endocrine system.
What does the endocrine system consist of?
Endocrine glands
These glands are responsible for hormone production.
What do endocrine glands produce?
Hormones
Hormones are chemical messages that affect various bodily functions.
How are hormones transmitted in the body?
Via blood
Hormones travel through the bloodstream to reach their target organs.
How does the speed of action of the endocrine system compare to the nervous system?
Slower
Endocrine responses take longer to initiate compared to nerve responses.
How does the duration of effects of the endocrine system compare to the nervous system?
Longer lasting
The effects of hormones can persist longer than those of nerve impulses.
What type of signals does the nervous system use?
Electrical signals
These signals are known as neural impulses.
What type of signals does the endocrine system use?
Chemical signals
These signals are known as hormones.
What is one primary function of the endocrine and nervous systems working together?
Maintain homeostasis
Homeostasis refers to the body’s internal balance.
What are two functions coordinated by the endocrine and nervous systems?
Growth and metabolism
Both systems regulate essential body functions.
True or False: The nervous system is like a slow broadcasting service.
False
The nervous system is characterized as a fast messaging service.
Fill in the blank: The endocrine system is like a _______ service.
broadcasting
This analogy highlights the slower but widespread effects of hormones.
What is the nature of the nervous system’s communication?
Quick, precise, and short-lived
These characteristics allow for rapid responses to stimuli.
What is the nature of the endocrine system’s communication?
Slower but with widespread, long-term effects
This allows for sustained physiological changes in the body.
