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Biopsychology AS Level > The endocrine system > Flashcards

Flashcards in The endocrine system Deck (16)
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1
Q

What is the endocrine system?

A

A network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete chemical messengers known as hormones

2
Q

What does the endocrine system and the nervous system work together to do?

A

They work together to regulate the physiological processes of the human body

3
Q

What is the difference between the endocrine system and the nervous system?

A

Instead of using nerves to transit information, the endocrine system uses blood vessels to deliver hormones to target areas in the body

4
Q

What are endocrine glands?

A

Special groups of cells within the endocrine system, whose function is to produce and discharge hormones

5
Q

what are the 3 major glands of the endocrine system?

A

1: the pituitary gland
2: the adrenal glands
3: the reproductive organs (ovaries and testes)

6
Q

What are hormones?

A

The body’s chemical messengers.

They travel through the bloodstream and influence many processes including mood, the stress response, and infant/caregiver bonding.

7
Q

Why do target cells only respond to particular hormones?

A

Because they have receptors for that hormone, and cannot be influenced directly by hormones they do not have receptors for

8
Q

Which gland produces stimulating hormones into the bloodstream, which signals other glands to release hormones?

A

The pituitary gland

9
Q

What is the pituitary glands primary function?

A

The ‘master gland’

To influence the release of hormones from other glands

10
Q

What are the two parts of the pituitary gland?

A

1: the anterior
2: the posterior

11
Q

What does the anterior release? and what does it produce?

A

it releases ACTH (as a response to stress)

and it produces hormones that stimulate the production of oestrogen & testosterone

12
Q

What does the posterior pituitary release?

A

oxytocin (which stimulates contractions during birth)

13
Q

What does the adrenal cortex produce in response to stress?

A

cortisol

14
Q

what does the adrenal medulla release to prepare for fight or flight?

A

adrenaline

15
Q

What are ovaries and what do they do?

A

A part of the female reproductive system.

they release oestrogen and progesterone

16
Q

What are testes and what do they do?

A

A part of the male reproductive system

They release testosterone