Biological Prospective Flashcards
What is the primary function of the endocrine system?
The endocrine system produces and releases hormones that regulate many of the body’s vital functions by releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream.
What is the pituitary gland known for, and where is it located?
Known as the “master gland” because its messenger hormones control other endocrine glands. It is located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus.
What are the key functions of the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland controls the metabolic rate of cells, regulating growth, development, and metabolism in the body.
What is the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system?
The pancreas regulates blood sugar by secreting insulin and plays an essential role in digestion.
What hormones do the gonads produce, and what are their roles?
Ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, and testes produce androgens like testosterone. These hormones are crucial for sexual development and behavior.
How do androgens and estrogens differ between males and females?
Androgens (e.g., testosterone) are more abundant in males and promote male traits. Estrogens are more abundant in females and promote female traits, but both hormones exist in both sexes in different quantities.
How does the body respond to stress through hormone production?
The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands produce cortisol during stress, helping manage energy demands. Chronic stress can lead to high cortisol levels, weakening the immune system and damaging the hippocampus, affecting memory.
What is the role of cortisol in the body?
Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, helps the body manage stress and maintain energy levels, but chronic overproduction can weaken the immune system and harm memory.
What are the functions of the major glands in the endocrine system?
- Pituitary Gland: Controls other endocrine glands, growth, and fluid regulation.
- Thyroid Gland: Regulates metabolism and growth.
- Adrenal Glands: Produce cortisol, which helps manage stress.
- Pancreas: Regulates blood sugar levels.
- Gonads (Ovaries/Testes): Produce sex hormones involved in reproduction and sexual behavior.
How do endocrine glands differ from other glands like sweat glands?
Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream, affecting internal organs and tissues, whereas other glands like sweat glands excrete substances outside the body.
Why is the pituitary gland called the “master gland,” and where is it located?
The pituitary gland is called the “master gland” because its messenger hormones control other endocrine glands. It is located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus.
What are the main functions of the pituitary gland?
The pituitary gland works closely with the hypothalamus, secreting growth hormones, endorphins for pain relief, and hormones that regulate fluid levels in the body.
Where is the thyroid gland located, and what is its primary role?
The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and controls the metabolic rate of cells, regulating growth, development, and metabolism in the body.
What is the function of the pancreas in the endocrine system?
The pancreas is an abdominal organ responsible for digestion and regulating blood sugar levels through the secretion of insulin.
What hormones do the gonads produce, and what are their roles?
The gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males) produce sex hormones—estrogen and progesterone in females, and androgens like testosterone in males—which are crucial for sexual development, reproduction, and influencing sexual motivation and behavior.
Do only males have androgens and females have estrogens?
No, both androgens and estrogens are present in both males and females but in different quantities. Androgens promote male traits, while estrogens promote female traits, and both influence motivation and behavior.
How do hormones influence sexual development and behavior?
Hormones like androgens and estrogens influence physical traits associated with male and female characteristics and modify motivation, affecting how we behave in response to specific stimuli related to reproduction and sexual activity.
What is cortisol, and which glands produce it?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, helping the body manage increased energy demands during stressful situations.
What are the negative effects of chronic stress on the endocrine system?
Chronic stress can lead to overproduction of cortisol, resulting in:
- Weakened immune system: Increased vulnerability to infections and slower wound healing.
- Brain damage: Potential damage to the hippocampus, leading to memory problems.
What is the neuroendocrine system?
The neuroendocrine system describes the interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The central nervous system (CNS) regulates the endocrine system and receives feedback from it, affecting how the brain processes information and how the body reacts to situations.
What are androgens, and what role do they play in the body?
Androgens, such as testosterone, are male sex hormones produced by the testes (and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands in both sexes). They promote male traits like facial hair and deeper voices and are involved in male sexual development and reproduction.
What are estrogens, and what role do they play in the body?
Estrogens are female sex hormones produced by the ovaries (and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands in both sexes). They promote female traits like breast development and play a role in the female reproductive system and menstrual cycle.
How does cortisol help the body during stressful situations?
Cortisol helps the body manage increased energy demands by:
- Increasing blood sugar levels.
- Suppressing the immune system.
- Aiding in metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
- Providing energy to cope with stress.
What are the potential consequences of prolonged high levels of cortisol?
Prolonged high levels of cortisol can lead to:
- Weakened immune response: Making the body more susceptible to infections.
- Memory problems: Due to potential damage to the hippocampus.
- Weight gain: Particularly around the abdomen.
- Increased risk of chronic diseases: Such as hypertension and diabetes.
How do hormones act as chemical messengers in the body?
Hormones travel through the bloodstream to target organs and tissues, binding to specific receptors to influence physical functions and affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Why is the interaction between the endocrine system and nervous system important?
Understanding this interaction helps explain how thoughts, behaviors, and bodily functions are interconnected, as hormones can influence brain activity and vice versa, maintaining homeostasis and coordinating responses to stress.
What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?
The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. It controls many bodily functions, including:
- Temperature regulation.
- Hunger and thirst.
- Circadian rhythms (sleep-wake cycles).
- Release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
How does the endocrine system maintain homeostasis in the body?
By releasing hormones that regulate vital functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and stress responses, ensuring the body’s internal environment remains stable despite external changes.
What are the adrenal glands, and what hormones do they produce?
The adrenal glands are located atop the kidneys and produce hormones like:
- Cortisol: For stress response.
- Adrenaline (epinephrine): Increases heart rate and energy in fight-or-flight situations.
- Aldosterone: Regulates blood pressure by controlling sodium and potassium levels.
How does the pancreas regulate blood sugar levels?
The pancreas secretes:
- Insulin: Lowers blood sugar by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
- Glucagon: Raises blood sugar by signaling the liver to release stored glucose.
What is the effect of insulin on the body?
Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy or storage, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
How do the hormones estrogen and progesterone function in the female reproductive system?
They regulate:
- Menstrual cycle.
- Ovulation.
- Pregnancy.
- Secondary sexual characteristics.
What is the significance of the hormonal feedback loop between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and other endocrine glands?
It maintains hormonal balance through a system of checks and balances, where the hypothalamus and pituitary gland monitor and adjust hormone levels by stimulating or inhibiting other endocrine glands.
How does the endocrine system influence emotions and behavior?
Hormones can affect neurotransmitter function and brain activity, influencing mood, stress responses, aggression, and other behaviors.
What role do endorphins play in the endocrine system?
Endorphins are hormones produced by the pituitary gland that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.
Why is it important to understand the effects of hormones on both physical and emotional health?
Because hormonal imbalances can lead to physical illnesses and impact mental health, understanding their effects can help in diagnosing and treating various conditions.
What is homeostasis, and how does the endocrine system contribute to it?
Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment. The endocrine system contributes by releasing hormones that regulate bodily functions to keep conditions within optimal ranges.
