2. The Endocrine System AO1 Flashcards
What is the role of the endocrine system?
Works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body through that action of hormones
Outline a difference between the CNS and the endocrine system
It works more slowly than the nervous system but has widespread and powerful effects
What are glands?
Organs in the body that produce hormones
What is the major endocrine gland?
The pituitary gland located in the brain
What is the pituitary gland?
It is called the master gland because it controls the release of hormones from all the other endocrine glands in the body
Explain hormones
Hormones are secreted in the bloodstream and affect any cell in the body that has a receptor for that particular hormone
What two things often work together?
The ANS and the endocrine system e.g. fight or flight in a stressful event
What is released in a stressful event?
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into bloodstream
What does adrenaline do?
Triggers physiological changes in target organs of body, e.g. causes increased heart rate, dilation of pupils - fight or flight response
What happens one a threat has passed?
The parasympathetic nervous system returns body to its resting state - acts as a break, reduces activities of body that were increased by actions of sympathetic branch
