Biopsychology: topic 4 ‘function of the endocrine system’ Flashcards
what is the function of the endocrine system?
- a chemical system of communication that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream.
how do hormones affect the body?
- they influence target organs or any cell with a receptor for that hormone to regulate bodily activity
what are glands?
- organs in the body that produce and secrete hormones to regulate bodily functions
what is the major endocrine gland and why is it called the ‘master gland’?
the pituitary gland; it controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands
what is the role of the pituitary gland?
- to regulate the release of hormones from other endocrine glands, controlled by the hypothalamus
what is a hormone?
- chemicals that circulate in the bloodstream and regulate bodily functions
true or false: hormones are produced in small amounts and last a long time in the bloodstream
- false
what can result from too much or too little hormone release?
- dysfunction of bodily systems
fill in the blank: the endocrine system works closely with the _______ to regulate physiological processes
- nervous system
why is timing critical in hormone release?
- because the levels and timing of hormone release affect bodily functions
how do hormones disappear from the bloodstream?
- they are produced in large amounts but disappear quickly
what is the role of the adrenal gland and what hormone does it produce?
- produces adrenaline
- the adrenal gland is an important part of the sympathetic division in the fight or flight response; it facilitates the release of adrenaline
what is the role of the pineal gland and what hormone does it produce?
- produces melatonin
- pineal gland regulates sleep; it is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle
what is the role of the ovaries and what hormone does it produce?
- produces oestrogen and progesterone
- they facilitate the release of oestrogen and progesterone (female hormones)
