endocrine system Flashcards
the endocrine system..
the endocrine system controls body functions and helps maintains homeostasis by using hormones.
what is a hormone?
a chemical messenger that causes change in another part of the body.
what is a gland?
a group of cells that makes hormones for the body
how do hormones work?
by traveling from the endocrine gland they were produced from into the bloodstream
what are the glands and tissues of the endocrine system
the pituitary gland – is the main control center of the endocrine system. it secretes hormones that affect other glands. it also stimulates growth and sexual development.
the hypothalamus – controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
thyroid – hormones from the thyroid control metabolism.
thymus – where some white blood cells develop and is also part of the lymphatic system.
pancreas – regulates blood sugar.
controlling hormones
the endocrine system keeps the body’s internal environment in homeostasis by increasing or decreasing the amount of hormones in the blood stream.
what is hormone imbalance?
occurs when an endocrine gland makes too much or not enough of a hormone.
