endocrine system

Question 1

what are endocrine glands

Answer 1

group of cells whose function is to produce and secrete hormones

Question 2

what is the endocrine system

Answer 2

network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete hormones

Question 3

define what hormones are

Answer 3

chemical messengers that circulate the bloodstream carrying messages to target cells in the body

Question 4

what is the function of the pituitary gland

Answer 4

to influence the release of hormones from other glands

Question 5

what is the hypothalamus

Answer 5

collection of specialised cells that is the main link between the endocrine and nervous systems

Question 6

explain how the endocrine system works as a negative feedback loop

Answer 6

• hypothalamus detects change in body and sends signal to pituitary gland
• pituitary gland secretes stimulating hormone into bloodstream
• target gland receives signal and releases target hormone
• hypothalamus shuts down secreting hormone and pituitary shuts down stimulating hormone, balancing target hormone levels

Question 7

what is a target cell

Answer 7

a specific cell which has a receptor site that responds to only a particular hormone

Question 8

name the two main parts of the pituitary gland and their functions

Answer 8

• anterior pituitary (front) - releases ACTH
• posterior pituitary (back) - releases oxytocin