Endocrine system Flashcards
What does the endocrine system do?
Works alongside the nervous system to control vital function in the body.
Functions much more slowly than the nervous system.
Has a series of glands throughout the body release hormones which affect our behaviour e.g. the pituitary gland controls the release of hormones from all the other endocrine glands.
What is the pituitary gland?
Some hormones are important for regulating the endocrine system itself - “master gland”.
Controls the release of hormones from all the other endocrine glands.
What is the adrenal gland important for and why?
Important in the “fight or flight response”- release of adrenaline.
What does the testes do?
Release of male hormone - testosterone
What does the ovaries do?
Release of female hormones - Oestrogen & Progesterone
What is the fight or flight response?
The body detects the stressor and prepares for action – either fight or flight. Hypothalamus detects stressor (from the amygdala) and activates the pituitary gland. Pituitary gland releases a hormone called ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) to stimulate the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands produce the hormone adrenaline which stimulates the autonomic nervous system. ANS stimulates sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for action, i.e., Fight or flight. Increased heart rate/breathing, sweating, dilated pupils, dry mouth. Your fight/flight response has been initiated.
What does adrenaline do?
Increases heart rate, blood pressure and breathing (direct effect of adrenaline). Therefore, increased oxygen to vital organs.
Adrenaline also triggers the release of glucose for increased energy for flight or flight.
What’s the mnemonic for the endocrine system?
Silly - Stressor
Harry - Hypothalamus
Potter - Pituitary Gland
Always - ACTH
Acts - Adrenal Glands
Aroused - Adrenaline
Around - ANS
Sexy - SNS
Females - Fight/Flight
