7.1 - Hormones Flashcards
What are the two communication systems in the human body?
The nervous system and the endocrine system.
What does the endocrine system send around the body?
Hormones (chemical messengers).
What is the role of hormones in the endocrine system?
They produce a response when they reach a target tissue.
What are glands in the endocrine system?
Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
It is the master gland that secretes hormones into the blood to affect the body or stimulate other glands.
What hormone does the pancreas secrete?
Insulin.
What does insulin control?
Blood glucose levels.
What hormone does the thyroid secrete?
Thyroxine.
What does thyroxine control?
Metabolic rate, heart rate, and temperature.
What hormone does the adrenal gland secrete?
Adrenaline.
What is the role of adrenaline?
Involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response.
What hormone do the ovaries secrete?
Oestrogen.
What is the role of oestrogen?
Involved in the menstrual cycle and development of female secondary sexual characteristics.
What hormone do the testes secrete?
Testosterone.
What is the role of testosterone?
Involved in the production of sperm and development of male secondary sexual characteristics.
How does the blood transport hormones?
It transports hormones to a target organ or tissue where they have an effect.
How does the hormonal system compare to the nervous system?
The hormonal system is slower but acts for longer.
