B3.2.1 Hormones Flashcards
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers
Where are hormones made?
In endocrine glands
How do hormones get around the body?
The blood transports the hormones in the plasma around the body and cause a response in specific cells around the body.
Function of Hormones
Regulate the functions of many cells and organs.
-usually slow & long lasting
Also body processed that need constnt adjustment eg. Body temp
Homeostasis
Keeping conditions in body constant
Why do not all cells respond to hormones?
Hormones travel all around the body in the bloodstream but only target organs respond.
What are target cells?
When hormones diffuse out of the blood they only bind to specific receptors for that hormone found on membrane or cytoplasm of cells in target organ.
What happens when hormone is bound to target cell?
Receptors in the hormone stimulate the target cells to produce a response.
what is the endocrine system?
All endocrine glands and the hormones they produce.
What does the endocrine system do?
Controls and coordinates body processes with nervous system
Similarities between nervous & endocrine system?
- both send systems and messages around body to provide information about changes in external environment
- send info to body how to respond to external changes
Differences between nerves & hormones messaging system
N-V. Fast
H-slower
Differences between nerves & hormones- Method of transport
N-electrical impulse along axon of neurone
H-in the blood
Differences between nerves & hormones- Duration of response
N-short acting
H-longer acting
Differences between nerves & hormones- area targeted
N-v. Precise
H- larger area
