Endocrine System Flashcards
what is the endocrine system
collection of glands which produce hormones to control bodily functions
what are hormones
they are chemical messengers that affect the activity of another part of the body. they are released into the bloodstream by endocrine glands
what are circulating hormones
they flow through the bloodstream and are transported long distances
what are local hormones
they are not released into the bloodstream and instead influence the cells that are closet to them. these act much faster than circulating hormones
the hypothalamus
a small part of the brain that monitors body parameters such as temp and heart rate, it detects change and release hormones that stimulate or suppress the pituitary gland
pituitary gland
releases hormones that stimulate other glands in the body. There is two parts: the anterior and posterior
what hormones does the anterior pituitary gland produce
adrenocorticotropic hormone - stimulates the adrenal gland
thyroid-stimulating hormone - stimulates the thyroid gland
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) - stimulates growth of ovaries
LH (luteinizing hormone) - acts on ovaries
prolactin - associated with milk production
growth hormone - regulates the repair of tissues and promote growth in young animals
what hormones does the posterior pituitary gland produce
ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) - directly acts on kidneys and blood vessels, controlling water content in blood
oxytocin - acts on smooth muscle of the uterus, causing contractions during parturition
pancreas
regulates levels of glucose in blood by producing the hormones insulin and glucagon
what does insulin do
allows glucose to be absorbed by either cells or to be converted to glycogen and stored in liver. Production of insulin lowers blood sugar levels in the blood
what does glucagon do
causes stored glycogen in the liver to be released into the blood. production of glucagon increases blood sugar levels
what is diabetes
a condition where there is a problem with either the production of insulin or the body’s response to insulin. the body cannot properly regulate glucose levels in the blood
adrenal gland
located on top of kidneys, two parts: the cortex (outer) and medulla (inner)
what does the cortex in the adrenal gland produce
cortisol - gives the body an energy boost in times of stress by controlling the way in which the body processes nutrients
aldosterone - instructs the kidney to remove or release certain salts from the blood and regulate the balance of salts in the bloodstream
what does the medulla in the adrenal gland produce
adrenaline - acts on most tissues in the body and is responsible for a ‘flight or fight’ response, heart rate increases and provides more blood to muscles
