[33] Biochemistry of the Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the primary function of the endocrine system?
It regulates the body’s metabolism and energy balance.
What are the major components of the endocrine system?
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
- Thyroid gland
- Parathyroid glands
- Adrenal glands
- Pineal gland
- Reproductive glands (which include the ovaries and testes)
- Pancreas
What are hormones?
They are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs.
What is insulin?
A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
What is glucagon?
A hormone that works with insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
It links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.
What is the role of the pituitary gland?
Often called the “master gland,” it controls other glands in the endocrine system.
What is the role of the thyroid gland?
It produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rate.
What is the role of the parathyroid glands?
They regulate the body’s calcium levels.
What is the role of the adrenal glands?
They produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
What is the role of the pineal gland?
It produces melatonin, which helps regulate sleep patterns.
What is the role of the ovaries in females?
They produce eggs for reproduction and also the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
What is the role of the testes in males?
They produce sperm and also the male hormone testosterone.
What is the role of the pancreas?
It has two main roles: digestion and regulation of blood sugar levels.
What is Diabetes mellitus?
A group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood.
