Endocrine System Flashcards
What does the endocrine system do?
Consists of structures that secrete hormones, either at cellular or organ level.
What does endocrine mean?
Release hormones straight into surroundings
What forms the autonomic nervous system?
The sympathetic and parasympathetic; function together to maintain regular heartbeat, temp and etc
What is sympathetic stimulation?
Prepares body for stressful or exciting situations. Adrenal glands secrete adrenaline which can effect your heart, lungs, blood vessels and etc. Example- heart rate speeds up to increase oxygen flow around body and digestion system slows down to preserve energy.
What is parasympathetic stimulation?
Slows down cardiac and respiratory activity. Stimulates digestion and absorption of food.
What are glands?
Groups of epithelial cells that produce specialised secretions.
What is a hormone?
Chemical messengers secreted into the bloodstream to target tissues and organs that may be quite distant.
How do hormones work?
Hormones bind to receptors on the target cells that change their behaviour.
What is homeostasis?
A self-regulating process by which an organism can maintain internal stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.
What are the 5 stages of homeostatic control?
Stimulus
Receptor
Input
Output
Response
What is positive feedback mechanism?
Enhance original stimuli
What is negative feedback mechanism?
Inhibit original stimuli
What is the hypothalamus?
Tiny collection of nuclei at the base of the forebrain that controls an astonishing amount of human behaviour, including emotional and stress responses.
What is the Pituitary gland and where can it be found?
Makes hormones that control several other glands such as the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testicles. The pituitary gland is in charge of many different functions, including how your body grows. It’s located at the base of your brain.
What is your thyroid and where can it be found?
Butterfly shaped gland in front of neck. Responsible for metabolism