Endocrine system Flashcards
What does the endocrine system consist of?
-several endocrine glands
-many hormone-secreting cells in organs
What is the difference between the role of the endocrine system compared to the nervous system?
-endocrine system= release hormones into interstitial fluid and then into the bloodstream
-nervous system= controls body activities through the release of neurotransmitters at synapses
How do EXOCRINE glands work and give an example
-secrete their product into ducts that carry the secretions into a body cavity, into the lumen of an organ or onto the outer surface of the body
-e.g sweat glands
Give examples of endocrine glands
-pituitary
-thyroid
-parathyroid
-adrenal
-pineal
What’s the first main function of hormones?
- help to regulate: chemical composition, volume of internal environment, metabolism and energy balance, contraction of smooth and cardiac muscle, glandular secretions
What’s the second main function of hormones?
control growth and development
What’s the third main function of hormones?
regulate operation of reproductive systems
What’s the fourth main function of hormones?
help establish circadian rhythms
Where is your thyroid gland located?
middle of your neck just below the larynx (voice box)
Where is your adrenal gland located?
On top of your kidneys
Where is your pituitary and pineal gland located?
in your brain
How do hormones bring about an action within the body?
they only affect specific target cells that have the specific protein receptors to bind to a given hormone
How do lipid-soluble hormones affect cell function?
By altering gene expression
How do water-soluble hormones alter cell function?
by activating plasma membrane receptors which elicit production of a second messenger that activates various proteins inside the cell
What is hormone secretion controlled by?
signals from the nervous system, blood chemistry, and other hormones