5E: The Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the hypothalamus, and its function?
Small region in brain
- maintains body temperature
- influences the function of pituitary gland
Where is the pituitary gland, and its function?
Pea-sized region in the brain
- growth hormones, TSH, prolactin
- regulates other glands (thyroid, adrenal, gonads)
Where is the pineal gland, and its function?
In the brain
- regulates sleep (with melatonin hormone)
- can have influence in the pituitary gland
- regulation of bone metabolism
Where are the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and their functions?
Many small glands in base of neck
- Control growth rate, metabolic rate and development of body
Where is the thymus, and which hormone does it produce?
Located between the lungs ( only active until puberty).
Produces thymosin (stimulates the development of immune system cells)
Where is the pancreas, and its main functions?
Organ sitting behind abdomen
Has exocrine + endocrine functions:
- digestive enzymes
- maintains blood glucose levels
Where are adrenal glands located, and main functions?
Located above kidneys
- stress response
- metabolic regulation
- blood pressure
What is a placenta, and its function?
Maintains healthy pregnancy, and stimulates mammary growth
What are the 6 endocrine glands?
Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testes
What type of hormones does a thyroid gland produce, and what do they do?
Thyroxine: regulates metabolism, controls how the heart works
Calcitonin: reduces blood calcium levels
What type of hormones does an adrenal gland produce, and what do they do?
Adrenaline: released into bloodstream, and increases heart rate, blood pressure, rate of respiration, and muscle contractions.
Cortisol
What type of hormones does the pancreas produce?
Insulin - decreases blood sugar levels (stores as glycogen)
Glucagon - increases blood sugar levels (breaks down glycogen and dumps into blood)
What is a hormone?
A chemical substance produced by a gland and carried in the blood stream
What do hormones do?
- Targets specific organs or cells
- Transmits information (do we need more or less?)
- COMMUNICATION AND RESPONSE
What do hormones influence?
- growth and metabolism
- maintains stable internal environment
- sexual development and maturity
