Endocrine system Flashcards
What is homeostasis and the role hormones play in maintaining it?
Homeostasis is a state of equilibrium where
an organism’s internal environment stays relatively constant, despite ongoing environmental changes. Hormones are released into the blood to find specific target cells and convert a message, one that will ensure homeostasis in the body. Three functional units in the maintenance of homeostasis: a receptor, a coordinating center, and an effector.
Endocrine VS Exocrine?
Endocrine - ductless glands that produce and secrete hormones into the blood
Exocrine: Glands with ducts that produce sweat and tears
How do the endocrine and nervous systems differ when maintaining homeostasis?
The endocrine system provides a slow sustained response, while the nervous system provides a quick immediate response.
What is the hypothalamus and where is it located?
It is the ‘monitor and director’. it maintains and helps in the release of hormones by sending ‘releasing/inhibitory factors to the pituitary. It produces the hormones ADH and oxytocin.
What is the pituitary gland and where is it found?
It is the ‘master gland’ of the body. Having a posterior and an anterior, producing and releasing a total of 8 hormones. Located on the stem of the hypothalamus. Together with the hypothalamus it functions as a control center, coordinating the endocrine and nervous systems.
What is the thyroid gland and where is it found?
A two-lobed gland is found in the base of the neck, it regulates metabolic processes. Releases calcitonin and thyroxine
What is the parathyroid gland and where is it found?
It is responsible for the maintenance of the calcium levels in the blood, four of which are found in the thyroid glands. Releases PTH hormone.
What is the adrenal gland and where is it found?
They are made up of two other lobes called the adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is the outer covering that produces cortisol, while the medulla is the inner gland producing epinephrine and norepinephrine. The medulla is regulated by the nervous system as it also produces epinephrine and norepinephrine. There are two adrenal glands each found on top of our kidneys
What is the pancreas and where is it found?
Pancrease is an organ found near the kidneys. They have patches of islet of langerhans tissue which produce cells that make insulin and glucagon, which help maintain blood glucose levels.
What are the ovaries and testes and where are they found?
Ovaries: female reproductive organs, sex hormones and egg cells are produced in the ovaries. Found in the vagina of females?
Testes: Primary male reproductive organs, sex hormones and sperm are produced in the testes. Found in the pelvic area of males.
What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland?
The hypothalamus sends a nerve impulse to the pituitary gland. Releasing hormones are peptides produced by the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland to release a stored hormone. Inhabiting factors will prevent the release of hormones.
What is negative feedback?
The process by which a mechanism is activated to restore conditions to their original state. A change in the variable being monitored triggers a control mechanism to counteract any further change in the same direction.
What are TSH and Thyroxine?
TSH is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland targeting the thyroid gland. It stimulates and release of thyroxine. Thyroxine is the hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland in response to TSH, it increases metabolism and regulates growth.
What is GH?
GH is the human growth hormone which is released from the anterior pituitary, targeting most somatic cells in the body. It stimulates the growth of the bones, muscles, and body organs. It also helps with the production of proteins and the break down of fats and sugars.
What are ACTH and cortisol?
ACTH is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary, targeting the adrenal cortex of the kidneys, it stimulates the production and release of cortisol. Which is the stress hormone. It targets the liver and other muscle cells, where amino acids are converted to glucose to fight stress levels. ASK?
