The Endocrine System Flashcards
Define homeostasis
The systems working to maintain a constant internal environment
Which 2 major body systems maintain homeostasis in the body?
The Nervous System and Endocrine System
What is a hormone?
A hormone is a chemical released by a cell, gland or an organ in one part of the body
Define a few major functions of the endocrine system
- Coordinates homeostasis
- Storage and use of energy compounds such as proteins, fats and carbs
- Regulation of growth and reproduction
- Control of responses to external stimuli (stress)
What does endo mean?
Within
What does crine mean?
To secrete
Where are exocrine secretions released to?
Released to ducts which lead eventually to the outside of the body e.g. sweat glands or salivary glands
Autocrine refers to…
Hormones that act on the cells that produce it
Paracrine refers to…
Hormones that act locally
What is the role of hormones?
- Act as a messenger or trigger to molecules
- Circulate in blood or extracellular fluid
- Target cells with appropriate receptors
- Receptors act as binding cells for specific hormones and are found on the surface of cells or within cells
Name the 3 basic types of hormones
- Amino acid based hormone
- Steroid hormone
- Thyroid hormone
What organs are included in the endocrine system?
- pituitary gland
- pineal gland
- thyroid gland
- parathyroid gland
- adrenal cortex
- adrenal medulla
Endocrine cells can be found in the..
- Hypothalamus
- Thymus
- Pancreas
- Gonads
How many hormones does the Thyroid gland produce and what are their names?
2: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (calcitonin)
