Endocrine, Immune, and Nervous Systems Flashcards
What is the function of the Endocrine System?
Regulating the body’s processes by slowly sending signals (hormones)
What are 3 facts about glands?
- control the body’s daily activities
- make + release hormones into the bloodstream
- control long-term changes (development)
What are 3 facts about hormones?
- made by the endocrine system
- turn on, turn off, speed up, and slow down activities of organs and tissues
- act as internal stimuli –> direct body to respond
What does the pituitary gland do?
the master gland; controls all other glands in the body (excluding the hypothalamus); regulates growth
What does the thyroid gland do?
helps stabilize your metabolism
What does the pancreatic gland do?
secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar levels
What does the hypothalamus gland do?
Links the Nervous and Endocrine systems and controls the pituitary glands
What does the adrenal gland do?
secretes adrenaline; triggers the body’s fight or flight response; increases heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure)
What is the function of the immune system?
To protect and defend the body against the invasion of pathogens
What happens in the thymus gland?
Where T lymphocytes (T-cells) are made
What is the 1st line of defense in the body, and what is it made up of?
Physical Barriers:
1. skin
2. mucous membranes
What is the 2nd line of defense in the body, and what is it made up of?
Immune Response:
1. white blood cells attack
2. inflammatory response
3. fever (higher temp stops the growth of infection)
What is the 3rd line of defense in the body, and what is it made up of?
Adaptive response:
1. lymphocytes
2. antibodies
3. memory cells (white blood cells)
What is the function of the Nervous System?
Control voluntary and involuntary actions to maintain the body’s balance; composed of the brain, spinal cord, and neurons
What is the nervous system composed of?
The brain, spinal cord, and neurons
