Approaches- The Enocrine System Flashcards
What is a gland?
A body organ that releases hormones into the bloodstream
What is a hormone?
A chemical released from endocrine glands into the blood stream that acts in target structures to alter their function or to release other hormones.
What is the function of the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood.
The endocrine system is made up of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (in females) and testicles (in males).
In general, a gland selects and removes materials from the blood, processes them and secretes the finished chemical product for use somewhere in the body. The endocrine system affects almost every organ and cell in the body.
Although the hormones circulate through the body, each type of hormone is targeted towards certain organs and tissues.
The endocrine system gets some help form organs such as the kidney, liver, heart and gonads, which have secondary endocrine functions.
The pituitary gland for example secretes ACTH which targets the adrenal glands in the fight or flight response.
What is the endocrine system ?
The endocrine system refers to the collection of glands of an organism that secrete hormones directly into the circulatory system to be carried towards a distant target organ.
The pituitary gland is the “master” gland in the endocrine system.
What is the main hormone released and the effect/function of the endocrine gland- thyroid ?
Main hormone released is thyroxine.
If regulates the body’s metabolic rate and protein synthesis.
What is the main hormone released and the effect/function of the endocrine gland- adrenal medulla?
Main hormone released is adrenaline
The effect/ function is the flight or fight response. Increased heart rate and breathing, blood flow increases to muscles and brain and glucose and fat is released for energy from stores.
What is the main hormone released and the effect/function of the endocrine gland- adrenal cortex?
Main hormone released is glucocorticoids (cortisol/cortisone/ corticosterone).
The effect/ function is further release of stored glucose and fats for energy/immune suppression and inflammatory response.
What is the main hormone released and the effect/function of the endocrine gland- testes?
Main hormone released is androgens (testosterone).
The effect/ function is the development of male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty (promotes muscle mass and muscle growth).
What is the main hormone released and the effect/function of the endocrine gland- ovaries?
The main hormone released is oestrogens (oestradiol).
The effect/ function is regulation of female reproductive system, menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
What is the main hormone released and the effect/function of the endocrine gland- pineal?
Main hormone released is melatonin.
The effect/function is regulation of spousal and biological rhythms (sleep-wake cycle).
What is the so called master gland of the endocrine systems ?
The pituitary. It is so called because many of the hormones released by the pituitary gland control secretions by other glands rather than effecting cells and tissues directly.
The pituitary is divided into anterior and posterior portions.
What is said to regulate and control the endocrine system?
The hypothalamus because it controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
Name the hormones release by the anterior pituitary and their effects/ functions
ACTH- adrenocortical trophic hormone
Adrenal cortex: stimulating the release of glucocorticoids such as cortisol for stress response.
TSH- Thyroid stimulating hormone
Thyroid gland: stimulating thyroxine release
Prolactin
Mammary glands: stimulates milk production and release
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Ovaries: promotes release of ovarian follicles
Testes: promotes spermatogenesis
Growth hormone
General promotion of cell growth and multiplication in the body
Melanocytes stimulating hormone (MSH)
Stimulates the production and release of pigment melatonin in the skin and hair.
Name the hormones release by the posterior pituitary and their effects/ functions
Vasopressin or antidote fix hormone (ADH)
Involved in regulating water balance in the body; stimulates water reabsorption by kidney and increases blood volume
Oxytocin
Important in promoting uterine contractions in childbirth and lactation after birth
