Biopsych: The endocrine system

Question 1

What’s the endocrine system?

Answer 1

A network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete chemical messengers known as hormones.

Question 2

What’s the endocrine gland?

Answer 2

special group of cells within the endocrine system, has the function to produce and secrete hormones.

Question 3

What’s a hormone?

Answer 3

the body’s chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to influence any physiological processes.

Question 4

What are the 3 major glands of the endocrine system?

Answer 4

Pituitary
Adrenal
Reproductive

Question 5

What does the pituitary gland do + where is it located?

Answer 5

‘Master gland,’ with the primary function to influence the release of hormones from other glands.

Controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. Divided into the anterior (front) pituitary and the posterior (back) pituitary.

The anterior pituitary releases ACTH in response to stress —> stimulates adrenal glands to release cortisol.

Question 6

What does the adrenal gland do + where is it located?

Answer 6

Sit on the top of the kidneys.
Also split into two: the outer part (adrenal cortex) and the inner region (adrenal medulla).

The main difference between the two is that the adrenal cortex hormones are vital for life, and the medulla aren’t.

The adrenal cortex produces cortisol which regulates various bodily functions including cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions. Released as a stress response.

The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline which physiologically prepares the body for fight or flight.

Question 7

What are the reproductive glands do + what do they do?

Answer 7

The testis (male) - secrete testosterone and ovaries (female) - secrete progesterone and oestrogen.