B5: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

group of glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood

Question 2

The pituitary gland

Answer 2

-‘master gland’
-secretes many hormones that can act on other glands, directing them to release hormones that bring about change

Question 3

Thyroid gland

Answer 3

produces thyroxine which is involved in regulating things like rate of metabolism, heart rate and temp

Question 4

Adrenal gland

Answer 4

produces adrenaline which is used to prepare the body for a ‘fight/flight’ response

Question 5

Pancreas

Answer 5

produces insulin which is used to regulate blood glucose level

Question 6

Ovaries

Answer 6

produce oestrogen

Question 7

Testes

Answer 7

produce testosterone

Question 8

How do hormonal responses compare to nervous responses?

Answer 8

-hormonal responses are slower (whereas nervous responses are faster)
-hormonal responses act for a long time (whereas nervous responses act for a very short time)
-hormonal responses act in a more general way (whereas nervous responses act on a very specific area)