5.3 Hormonal Coordination in humans Flashcards
Give the name of the body’s coordination system which involves hormones.
The endocrine system
What is a hormone
A hormone is a chemical messenger secreted by a gland. It travels in the blood to a target organ, Where it causes a response.
What type of organ secretes hormones?
Glands
Which gland controls many other glands in the body?
The pituitary gland
Why is the pituitary gland considered a master gland?
It secretes a wide range of hormones, some of which may stimulate other endocrine glands.
What is the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine systems?
- Secretes human growth - controls human growth.
- Stimulates the thyroid gland
- Stimulates ovulation and the production of oestrogen in the ovaries
- Stimulates the production of sperm and testosterone in the testes.
What is the role of the thyroid gland in the endocrine system?
Secretes the hormone thyroxine - controls metabolism, heart rate and body temperature.
What is the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system?
Secretes the hormone insulin - controls blood glucose levels.
What is the role of the adrenal gland in the endocrine system?
Secretes adrenaline - controls the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response,
What is the role of the ovaries in the endocrine system?
Secrete oestrogen, which coordinates the menstrual cycle and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.
What organ monitors and controls blood glucose concentration?
The pancreas
How does the pancreas respond when blood glucose levels are too high?
The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin. Insulin binds to receptors on the liver and muscles, causing excess glucose to be converted into glycogen and stored.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Is an autoimmune disorder in which the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin to control the blood glucose concentration.
As a result, blood glucose levels are often very high, leading to excessive urination, tiredness and weight loss.
How can type 1 diabetes be treated?
Insulin injections before meals - allows glucose to be converted into glycogen.
Limiting carbohydrate intake.
Attempts using pancreas and pancreatic cell transplants.
What is type 2 diabetes?
is a disorder in which the body’s cells stop responding to insulin, leading to an uncontrolled blood glucose concentration. Its onset is linked with increasing age and obesity.