Endocrine System Flashcards
What does the endocrine system do?
Controls vital functions in the body (alongside the nervous system)
How does the endocrine system compare to the nervous system?
It is much sleeker and has more widespread and powerful effects
What do hormones do?
They are secreted into the bloodstream and affect any cell that had a receptor for that hormone, which can generate a diverse and powerful response
What is the master gland?
The pituitary gland which is located in the brain and controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands in the body
What hormone does the thyroid gland produce?
Thyroxine
What gland does the hormone adrenaline come from?
Adrenal glands
What hormone does the pancreas produce?
Insulin
What gland does oestrogen come from?
Ovaries
What hormone does the testes release?
Testosterone
An example of a gland and hormone
The thyroid gland produces thyroxine which affects cells in the heart (increases rate) and affects cells throughout the body increasing the metabolic rate which affects growth rate.
An example of a gland and hormone (f)
The ovaries produce oestrogen which is involved in repairing and thickening the uterus lining.
What is the process of the fight or flight response?
A stressor is perceived, the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch, the ANS changes from its normal resting state to the sympathetic state, adrenaline is realised into the blood stream and triggers physiological arousal needed for the fight or flight response (an acute response), once the threat has passed the body goes to its resting state (parasympathetic state), the parasympathetic branch works in opposition to the sympathetic branch so acts as a brake and reduces the activities of the body, this can be referred to as the rest and digest response
