Endocrine System Flashcards
Compare and contrast the roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in communication within your body.
Nervous system - The action potentials used by the nervous system can stimulate a target cell to respond within milliseconds of receiving the “message”, and the responses ceases very quickly once the neural signaling ends. In this way, neural communication enables body functions that involve quick, brief actions, such as movement, sensation, and cognition.
Endocrine system - uses a much slower method of communication: chemical messengers called hormones. Endocrine glands secrete these hormones directly into the bloodstream where they bind to receptors on target cells.
Define “endocrine gland.” (Also… define “exocrine gland” and name some of them!)
Endocrine gland - Ductless glands that release hormones directly into the blood (Endo = inside) IE; Thyroid and Pituitary gland.
Exocrine gland - Releases secretions through a duct that opens directly or indirectly to the external environment (exo = outside) IE; Oil, sweat, milk, tear, mucus glands.
Define “hormone.”
chemical messengers produced and sent out by endocrine organs into the bloodstream where they bind to receptors on target cells.
What is unique about the pancreas and gonads?
Your body triggers the release of hormones in three different ways. What are they?
The hypothalamus controls a lot (but not all) of the endocrine system. What does the hypothalamus do that makes it such a huge part of the endocrine system?
The Hypothalamus tells the endocrine glands when to secrete their hormones.
“Oh, A FLAGTOP!” What is this mnemonic used for and what does each letter represent?
Name the two hormones you would find in the posterior lobe of the pituitary. Where did these hormones come from and what are their functions?
Name the hormones made in the anterior lobe of the pituitary and their functions.
What hormone regulates the sleep/wake cycle? Where is it made?
The thyroid gland makes several hormones that have two very different functions: name the hormones and the functions.
Where are the parathyroid glands located? What clue does this give you to the function of parathyroid hormone?
The adrenal gland is sometimes called “two glands in one”. Explain why (what are the “two glands”?). What hormones are made by the adrenals and what are their effects on the body?
Does the thymus sound familiar? We studied it as part of a different organ system. Why? What do you already know about the thymus and its function?
Name the two hormones made by the pancreas and their functions.
