Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
System of glands that are responsible for the release of hormones
What are endocrine glands?
Produce and secrete hormones
What are the major glands of the endocrine system?
- Pituitary gland
- Adrenal glands
- Reproductive glands
All produce different hormones which regulate different organs
What are hormones?
- Body’s chemical messengers
- Released into the bloodstream and bind to receptor sites
What is the pituitary gland?
- Controlled by hypothalamus
- ‘Master gland’ releasing hormones which control other glands to produce specific hormones
What does the anterior front in the pituitary release?
- ACTH as a response to stress
- LH and FSH for pregnancy
What does the posterior pituitary release?
- Oxytocin which stimulates contraction of the uterus during childbirth
Where is the adrenal gland and what does the adrenal cortex/medulla produce?
On top of the two kidneys
- Cortex produces cortisol regulating cardiovascular functions
- Medulla releases adrenaline and nor-adrenaline which prepares body for fight or flight
Why is cortisol produced and where from?
Adrenal cortex
- Response to stress
Why is adrenaline produced and where from?
Adrenal medulla
- Helps the body respond to a stressful situation
- Increases heart rate etc
