4.2.2 THE FUNCTION OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Question 1

what does the endocrine system do?

Answer 1

• supplements the work of the nervous system
• regulates cells and organs in the body
• network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete chemical messengers known as hormones
• uses blood vessels to deliver hormones to their target site in the body
• effects of hormones are slower than NS impulses but they act for longer

Question 2

what are the 6 important structures in the endocrine system?

Answer 2

1) pituitary gland
2) pancreas
3) thyroid
4) adrenal gland
5) ovaries
6) testes

Question 3

what are hormones?

Answer 3

• chemicals circulated in the bloodstream and carried to target sites through the body
• affect target cells (these have necessary receptors for that hormone)
• when enough receptor sites are stimulated by the hormone this causes a physiological reaction in the target cell

Question 4

where is the hypothalamus gland in the body and what is its effect?

Answer 4

• brain
• stimulate and controls release from pituitary gland

Question 5

where is the pituitary gland in the body
what is its effect
what hormone does it release?

Answer 5

• brain
  1) anterior - ACTH
  -> stimulates adrenal cortex and release of cortisol during the stress response
  2) posterior - oxytocin
  -> love hormone, contractions during childbirth

Question 6

where is the pineal gland in the body
what is its effect
what hormone does it release?

Answer 6

• brain
• melatonin
• the sleep-wake cycle + biological rhythms

Question 7

where is the thyroid gland in the body
what is its effect
what hormone does it release?

Answer 7

• neck
• thyroxine
• responsible for regulating metabolism

Question 8

where is the adrenal gland in the body
what is its effect
what hormone does it release?

Answer 8

• kidney

1) adrenal medulla - adrenaline and noradrenaline
fight or flight

2) adrenal cortex - cortisol
stimulates release of glucose to provide the body with energy, while suppressing the immune system

Question 9

where are the ovaries in the body
what is its effect
what hormone does it release?

Answer 9

• reproductive organs
• oestrogen
• pregnancy, menstrual cycle

Question 10

where are the testes in the body
what is its effect
what hormone does it release?

Answer 10

• reproductive organs
• testosterone
• muscle growth, male sex characteristics