b11 - hormonal coordination Flashcards
what is the master gland and why?
where is it found?
the pituitary gland as if secretes many important hormones
- found in the brain and linked to the hypothalamus
endocrine system
the glands that produce the hormones which control many aspects of the development and metabolism of the body
hormones
chemicals produced that have effect on the functioning of target organs
- transported by blood plasma
role of the pituitary gland
- controls GROWTH in children
- stimulates the THYROID GLAND to make THYROXINE to control the rate of metabolism
- in women - stimulates the ovaries to produce and release eggs and make OESTROGEN
- in men - stimulates the testes to make sperm and TESTOSTERONE
role of the thyroid gland
controls the metabolic rate in the body, also controls heart rate and temperature
- found in the neck
role of the pancreas
controls the levels of glucose in the blood
- by releasing insulin and glucagon (which regulates those levels)
role of the adrenal gland
- prepares the body for stressful situations - ‘fight or flight’ response produce ADRENALINE
- has no feedback loop
- the two adrenal glands are found right above the kidneys
nervous system vs endocrine system
- the cns uses electrical impulses whilst the endocrine system responds to changes in the environment via hormones, which last for a longer period of time
- hormonal effects are slower than that of the nervous system
- cns is precise while the other can act on large areas of the body
examples of rapid response hormones
insulin and adrenaline
examples of slow response hormones
what is negative feedback
an opposite response to the effects of stimuli, which help to maintain the body’s stable conditions (homeostasis)
negative feedback loop or thyroxine
maintains a constant concentration of thyroxine in the blood
if too low: the production of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is increased. this stimulates the thyroxine gland to secrete thyroxine
if too high: the production TSH is decreased
adrenaline
- triggers a fight or flight response in dangerous or stressful situations
- enlarges air passages and alters metabolism to enhance the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles
- increases heart rate and blood pressure and dilates our pupils
why is it important to regulate blood glucose levels?
- glucose is required for respiration so if there isn’t enough glucose, the organism will not be able to produce
enough energy - can have a negative impact on osmosis if the levels are too high as it alters the concentration gradients
negative feedback loop for blood glucose levels
if too low: the cells in the pancreas detect the change and glucagon is released into the bloodstream to rise the levels
if too high: the cells in the pancreas detect the change and insulin is released into the bloodstream to lower the levels
insulin
- the liver and muscles tissue detect insulin
- it then converts the excess glucose into glycogen until the pancreas detects a normal blood glucose conc.
glucagon
- the liver detects glucagon (it causes cells in the liver to do the below)
- the liver converts stores of glycogen into glucose to be released into the bloodstream and this process continues until the pancreas detects a normal blood glucose conc.
glycogen
a form of glucose that is insoluble and can be stored for later
type 2 diabetes
body still produces insulin but no longer responds to it
- develops later in life
type 1 diabetes
when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin
- develops as a child
ways of managing diabetes
- (1) injecting insulin when blood glucose becomes too high
- (1 and 2) manage their diet and exercise to keep blood glucose levels steady
risk factors for diabetes
- being overweight
- having an unhealthy diet
- not exercising regularly
symptoms of diabetes
- excess urine
- lack of energy
- feeling tired/fatigue
- losing weight
puberty in females
starts between 9-15
- the amount of oestrogen rises and triggers the menstrual cycle (mature eggs start to form)
- growth of underarm and pubic hair
- breasts enlarge
- uterus grows and becomes active
puberty in males
starts between 8-14
- testosterone rises, which triggers sperm production
- growth of underarm, facial and pubic hair
- voice deepens
- shoulders broaden
which 4 hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle?
- oestrogen
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
- LH (luteinising hormone)
- progesterone
how does female fertility work?
- the ovaries of a baby girl contain all the eggs she will ever have
- after puberty, those eggs mature and are released every month for 35-40 years, except if she’s pregnant
- approaching menopause, the woman is less fertile and has a higher chance of having a baby with genetic problems