5.1.4 - hormonal communication Flashcards
endocrine glands
group of cells which are specialised to secrete chemicals (hormones) directly into the bloodstream
pituitary gland
produces growth hormone, ADH, and gonadrotrophins
thyroid gland
produces thyroxine, controlling the rate of metabolism
adrenal gland
produces adrenaline
testis
produces testosterone
pineal gland
produces melatonin
thymus
produces thymosin
pancreas
produces insulin
ovary
produces oestrogen
hormones
chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood when a gland is stimulated. they will then bind to specific target cells
steroid hormones
lipid soluble and can pass through the phospholipid bilayer, and bind to specific receptors to form a hormone receptor complex
e.g. oestrogen
how can a steroid hormone act as a transcription factor?
it in turn facilitates or inhibits the transcription of a specific gene
non steroid hormones
hydrophillic - cannot pass directly through the cell membrane - and instead bind to receptors on the cell membrane of the target cell, triggering a cascade reaction
two parts of the adrenal gland
the adrenal cortex (outer region)
the adrenal medulla (inner region of the gland)
main types of hormones produced in the adrenal cortex
- glucocorticoids including cortisol - regulating metabolism, and blood pressure
- mineralocorticoids including aldosterone - helps control blood pressure
- androgens - small amount of male and female sex hormones
exocrine gland in the pancreas function
- to produce enzymes and release them via a duct in the duodenum