Endocrine system Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
It works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body.
Glands release hormones into the bloodstream . The hormones affects any cells that have the matching hormone receptors.
Individual organs or the entire body reacts.
How does the endocrine system react?
Reacts ‘slowly’
Nervous system -> signals travel very quickly, leading to instantaneous responses.
Endocrine system -> signals move slowly but responses last longer as it is reliant on the bloodstream and heart rate.
Identify and describe two glands of the endocrine system.
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, and it produces thyroxine which works to regulate the body’s metabolism.
Another gland of the endocrine system is the pineal gland, which produces melatonin. Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Explain the function of the endocrine system.
The endocrine system works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body. It instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. The hormones released affect any cell in the body that has a particular receptor for that hormone, leading to powerful responses in the body, for example, thyroxine secreted by the thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolism.
Main components of endocrine system
Brain: Hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland.
Thyroid gland- located in front of the windpipe.
Testes and ovaries
Kidneys: Adrenal glands.
Hypothalamus
Located in the brain.
involved in daily activities (eating, drinking, body’s temperature, energy maintenance, memory, stress control).
Moderates endocrine system through connections with pituitary gland.
Pituitary gland
Located in the brain.
Releases anterior hormone (ACTH), stress hormone, and posterior (oxytocin), love hormone.
“Master gland”- tells other glands to release hormones.
Pineal gland
Located in the brain.
Example: produces melatonin.
Melatonin plays a role in regulating sleep patterns (circadian rhythms).
Testes and ovaries
TESTES- male reproductive system.
Testosterone- levels of this important to male sexual development and functions. Helps boys develop body and facial hair, deeper voice, and muscle strength.
OVARIES- organs that produce egg cells.
Oestrogen- development and regulation of female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
Thyroid gland
Butterfly shaped gland in front of windpipe.
Produces thyroxine.
Regulates the body’s metabolism,
Food -> Energy
Adrenal glands
Located in the kidneys.
Main hormones secreted are epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
Adrenal medulla (inner part of gland) controls hormones that initiate the flight or fight response.
