Endocrine system

Question 1

What is the role of the endocrine system

Answer 1

To release hormones (chemical messengers), from endocrine glands, into the bloodstream.

These hormones then have specific functions to assist with maintaining homeostasis

Question 2

Name at at least three areas that the the endocrine system regulates.

Answer 2

Regulates
Response to stress—- by means of the ADRENAL gland

Reproduction—— By means of the TESTES, OVARIES, and PITUITARY glands.

Calcium and glucose levels—— By means of the PANCREAS, THYROID and PARATHYROIDS.

Water balance— by means of the PITUITARY gland.

Question 3

What is an endocrine gland? what does it release?

Answer 3

• Endocrine glands release/ secretes hormones into the bloodstream.
• Hormones travel to cells throughout the body.
• Hormones control mood, growth and development, organ function, metabolism, and reproduction.
• The endocrine system regulates hormone release levels.

Question 4

What is a hormone? How does it travel in the body?

Answer 4

• Endocrine glands make chemicals called hormones.
• Hormones pass straight into the bloodstream.
• Hormones can be thought of as chemical messages.

From the bloodstream, the hormones communicate with the body by heading towards their target cell to bring about a particular CHANGE or EFFECT to that cell

Question 5

How do hormones “ know” which cells are their target cells?

Example

Answer 5

By “ cell surface receptors”

explanation
Because only those target cells have receptors for that particular hormone

Example:

Glucagon is released by the pancreas when blood sugar levels drop.

The glucagon recognises the receptors on the liver cells, instructing them to cause an increase in blood glucose.

Question 6

What is a target cell/ organ? How does it respond to hormones?

Answer 6

Target cells respond to hormones due to possessing receptors specifically designed to recognize and bind to them.

Question 7

What controls the release of hormones ? give examples of different stimuli.

Answer 7

External stimuli via nerves from the sensory organs in the nervous system. Eg: touch, pain, vision sound

Internal stimuli via nerves and other hormones from inside the body.Eg: Hunger, thirst, emotional status

Question 8

Why is the pituitary gland known as the “master gland”?

Answer 8

The pituitary gland is called the ‘master gland’ as the hormones it produces control so many different processes in the body. It senses the body’s needs and sends signals to different organs and glands throughout the body to regulate their function and maintain an appropriate environmen

regulating important processes like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Question 9

Name an example of an endocrine disorder. What has gone wrong to produce the symptoms?

Answer 9

In diabetes mellitus, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1) or it doesn’t use it effectively (Type 2), causing high blood sugar levels. This occurs due to dysfunction in the pancreas, which normally produces insulin. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, so when it’s insufficient or ineffective, symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, and fatigue occur.

Question 10

What is the role of the hypothalamus? Where do you find it?

Answer 10

It is a small region in the grain that regulates many bodily functions:

• Temp regulation
• Hormone regulation
• sleep, wake cycle
• thirst, hunger
• emotional responses

Question 11

Know the roles of the main hormones and where they are released from in the body.
draw diagram