Biopsychology - The function of the endocrine system: glands and hormones Flashcards
What is the name of the information system that instructs glands to release hormones into the blood stream?
Endocrine system
What is the role of hormones?
Chemical substances that circulate in the blood stream & affects any cell in the body that has a receptor for that particular hormone.
How are hormones and neurotransmitters similar?
Like neurotransmitters, hormones are chemical messengers that must bind to a receptor in order to send their signal.
How are hormones and neurotransmitters different?
Unlike neurotransmitters, hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel around the body, affecting any cells that have receptors for them. The effects of hormones are widespread.
Hormones are controlled through interactions between the hypothalamus (in the central nervous system) and the pituitary gland (in the endocrine system). True or false?
True
Does the endocrine system work faster or slower than the nervous system?
Slower
What are the 8 main endocrine glands in the body?
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary
- Thyroid
- Parathyroid
- Adrenal
- Pancreas
- Ovaries
- Testes
The pituitary is located in the brain. Why is it often called the master gland?
Controls the release of hormones from the other endocrine glands.
In addition to messenger hormones what else is the pituitary gland responsible for?
- Secretes growth hormone
- Secretes endorphins for pain relief
- Secretes a number of important hormones that regulate fluid levels in the body.
Where is the adrenal gland located?
On top of the kidneys
What hormones are secreted by the adrenal gland?
Hormones involved in stress response. E.g.
- Epinephrine (adrenaline)
- Norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
What hormones are secreted by the testes?
Androgens, such as testosterone
What hormones are secreted by the testes?
Androgens, such as testosterone
