Endocrine System Flashcards
Structure and function of endocrine system
- S = network of glands and organs located throughout the body, hormones throughout blood
- F = regulate a range of bodily functions & maintain homeostasis by secreting hormones
What is a gland
Organ that secretes substances (often hormones)
Endocrine vs exocrine gland
- Endocrine: ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the blood
- Exocrine: releases substances onto an external surface via a duct
Function of a hormone
Chemical messenger that controls and coordinates bodily functions by affecting the activity of target cells
What is C and what is its function in the endocrine system?
Hypothalamus
- Produces hormones which stimulate other glands to secrete hormones for homeostasis as a link between the nervous and endocrine systems
What is D and what is its function?
Pituitary gland
- Regulates growth and reproduction
What is E and what is its structure and function?
Parathyroid gland
- S = 4 small circular glands embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland
- F = regulate calcium levels in blood and bones by secreting PTH
What is J and what is its function?
Testis
- Secretes testosterone to regulate sex drive, bone mass, fat, muscle mass, RBC, sperm etc
What is B and what is its function?
Pineal gland
- Secretes the hormone melatonin to regulate sleep/wake cycles
What is F and what is its structure and function?
Thyroid gland
- S = butterfly-shaped gland with 2 lobes
- F = regulate metabolism by secreting hormones (thyroxine, calcitonin, triiodothyronine)
What is A and what is its endocrine function?
Thymus
- Mature T lymphocytes by secreting the hormone thymosin
What is G and what is its structure and function?
Adrenal gland
- S = small glands with an outer cortex and inner medulla, located superior to each kidney
- F = regulate BP, HR, fight/flight by secreting adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, aldosterone
What is H and what is its structure and endocrine function?
Pancreas
- S = feather shaped organ located inferior to the stomach
- F = secrete insulin and glucagon to regulate BGL
What is I and what is its function?
Ovary
- Secrete oestrogen and progesterone to regulate female sexual development, menstruation and pregnancy, secrete testosterone
What is the role of the stomach in the endocrine system?
Secretes hormones (ghrelin, leptin) which regulate hunger
2 examples of hormones secreted by the hypothalamus
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH): stimulates adrenal glands to release corticosteroids
- Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH): stimulates pituitary gland to release growth hormone (HGH)
What is growth hormone (HGH) & where is it secreted?
Regulates growth and physical development (pituitary gland)
What is ACTH and where is it secreted?
Stimulates adrenal glands to secrete steroid hormones, mainly cortisol (pituitary gland)
What is prolactin and where is it secreted?
Stimulates milk production (pituitary gland)
What is TSH and where is it secreted?
Stimulates thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormones (pituitary gland)