B9.3 - Hormones

Question 1

what are hormones?

Answer 1

→ chemical substance which is secreted into the bloodstream by glands
→ they regulate and control processes such as; blood glucose levels, water content in blood, general growth and blood pressure
→ hormones produce a specific response when they reach the target hormone

Question 2

what is an example of a hormone?

Answer 2

adrenaline (epinephrine)

Question 3

when is adrenaline produced?

Answer 3

→ adrenaline is a hormone produced when feeling stressed in fight or flight situations
→ when frightened, the brain activates neurons that stimulate the adrenaline gland, which is located right above the kidneys to rapidly secrete adrenaline.

Question 4

what does adrenaline cause?

Answer 4

• Increase in heart rate
• Increase in blood pressure
• Increase in glucose concentration in blood
• Pupils to dilate
• Increased breathing rate
• Increased rate of respiration

Question 5

where is the adrenaline gland located?

Answer 5

above the kidney

Question 6

what is the type of response of adrenaline?

Answer 6

it is an automatic response and all done unconsciously.

Question 7

what is the pathway of adrenaline?

Answer 7

→ when frightened, the brain activates neurons that stimulate the adrenaline gland, which is located right above the kidneys to rapidly secrete adrenaline.
→ adrenaline acts on our heart and lungs to increase heart rate and breathing rate.
→ it activates very quickly
→ the body’s heart rate and blood pressure increases and our pupils dilate to take in more light. More blood is sent to the muscles and they tense up
→ glucose levels also increase which allows more energy to be used by the muscles

Question 8

what does an increased in blood flow etc prepare our body for?

Answer 8

Increasing the blood flow, oxygen and glucose concentration allows our muscles to respire more and produce more energy for our muscles so we are able to react.

Question 9

what are examples of situations where adrenaline would be secreted?

Answer 9

• Coming across a dangerous animal
• When your home is invaded
• When you hear something in your house when you’re home alone
• When a speeding car is approaching you etc

Question 10

what is the difference between the nervous system and the endocrine system?

Answer 10

• The response of the nervous system is much faster than the endocrine/ hormone system
• The Effects of the hormones last longer than the nervous system.