Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the Endocrine system?
Groups of specialized glands that affect the growth, development, sexual activities and health of the entire body.
What do the endocrine or ductless glands produce?
They produce chemicals called hormones.
-These hormones enter the bloodstream and are transported to all parts of the body to control body functions and maintain homeostasis.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemicals messengers communicating instructions to other cells of the body.
What is homeostasis?
The balance or consistency of the internal function of the body.
What does the Hypothalamus control with the nervous system?
Secretions of hormones
What are the organs of the endocrine system?
Pituitary gland Thyroid gland Parathyroid glands Adrenal Glands Pancreas Ovaries Testes
Where is the pituitary gland located?
At the base of the brain
What is referred to as the master gland of the endocrine system?
Pituitary gland
Describe the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland:
- Secretes hormones that govern hormonal secretion of other endocrine glands
- it produces hormones that affect the adrenal glands, thyroid gland and gonads
Name a type of hormone the pituitary gland produces and describe its function:
It produces GROWTH HORMONE which simulates growth of bones, muscles and organs
What else does the pituitary gland produce?
Prolactin- enhances breast tissue growth and milk production
Oxytocin- triggers contraction of the uterus in labour and childbirth
Antidiuretic hormone- regulates water balance in the body
Where is the Thyroid gland located?
In the anterior neck, in two lobes that lie on either side of the trachea (throat)
What type of hormones does the thyroid gland produce?
Thyroid hormones
- require iodine for their production
- regulate metabolic activity and serve as a general pacemaker for the body
What else do the thyroid gland produce?
Calcitonin- regulates the amount of calcium in the blood and maintains healthy bones
Where are the Parathyroid glands located?
There are 4 parathyroid glands and are attached to the thyroid
What hormone do the Parathyroid glands produce?
Parathyroid hormone- helps maintain balance of calcium to maintain healthy bones and body tissues
Where are the Adrenal glands located?
Attached to the upper portion of each kidney
What 3 TYPES/ categories of hormones do the Adrenal glands secrete?
Three types of steroid hormones called corticosteroids
List the corticosteroid hormones secreted by the Adrenal glands:
- Sex hormones (estrogens and androgens)- maintain secondary sex characteristics such as breast development in women and facial hair in men
- Mineralocorticoids- regulate electrolyte balance
- Glucocorticoids (mainly cortisol)
- help promote normal metabolism
- promote resistance to stress
- counter inflammatory response
What does the Adrenal gland produce that invokes the “flight or fight” response?
Epinephrine (adrenaline) and Norepinephrine - responsible for fight or flight response to stress
What is the most important function of Norepinephrine (produced by the Adrenal glands)
Elevate blood pressure
Where is the Pancreas located?
Posterior to the stomach, and beneath the liver