38. Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
Internal regulatory system
Maintains internal environment of body
Organs are endocrine glands (spread throughout body and secrete hormones into bloodstream to target cells/tissues)
Similar to nervous system but acts more slowly and affects many body tissues
What stimulates hormone secretion
Ion or nutrient concentrations in blood
Neuronal control
In response to other hormones
Types of feedback loops
Negative: effect of hormone halts more secretion of hormone, maintains hormone within certain range
Positive: effect of hormone increases more secretion of hormone
Types of endocrine glands
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
Thyroid gland
Parathyroid glands
Adrenal glands
Pancreas
Gonads (ovary or testis)
Difference between exocrine and endocrine glands
Exocrine glands: synthesize substances released through ducts
Endocrine glands: synthesize substances (hormones) released into bloodstream to reach target tissue to signal physiological response
Characteristics of the Pituitary gland
Located underneath brain, suspended from hypothalamus by infundibulum
Divided structurally and functionally into anterior and posterior parts
Characteristics of anterior pituitary and types of hormones secreted
Controlled by hormones secreted by hypothalamus into bloodstream
Secretes: thyroid-stimulating hormone, FSH & LH, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and growth hormone
Function or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Stimulates thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone
Control metabolism
Function of FSH and LH
Acts on gonads to stimulate sperm and oocyte production and release of sex hormones
Function of adrenocorticotropic hormone
Acts on adrenal cortex to cause released of corticosteroids
Function of prolactin
Acts on mammary glands of breast for growth and milk production
Function of melanocytes stimulating hormone
Acts on melanocytes in skin to produce melanin
Function of growth hormone
Acts on all body tissues (especially muscles and bones) to stimulate growth of body
Characteristics and hormones secreted by posterior pituitary gland
Structurally part of brain.
Special neurons from hypothalamus extend into posterior pituitary
Hormones stored and released are antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin
Function of anti diuretic hormone
Stimulates kidneys to resorb more water when dehydrated, helps body retain water
Also tells blood vessels to constrict when blood pressure is low to return it to normal