Endocrine System Flashcards
1
Q
What is the endocrine system?
A
a system that works along side the nervous sytem and works using a network of glands that secrete hormones in order to bring about a physiological reaction
2
Q
what are hormones?
A
chemical messengers
3
Q
how do hormones travel?
A
through the bloodstream
4
Q
What are the major glands in the endocrine system?
A
- pituitay glands
- adrenal glands
- reproductive glands (ovaries and testes)
5
Q
Explain how hormones work.
A
- they are secreted by glands into the blood stream
- they then travel to target cells which are the cells hormones effect with the complementary receptors
- when enough receptors are stimulated a phyisological reaction is stimulated
6
Q
What is the pituitary gland?
A
- the master gland which stimulates other glands and is controlled by the hypothalamus
- it has two parts (anterior and posterior)
7
Q
What does ACTH do?
A
it stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol
8
Q
Describe the anterior pituitary gland?
A
- secretes ACTH in response to stress
- produces LH and FSH (important for reproduction as they stimulated oestrogen and progesterone)
- produces testosterone and sperm
9
Q
What does the posterior pituitay gland do?
A
- releases oxytocin
10
Q
What does oxytocin do?
A
- it stimulates contraction during child birth
- important in mother-infant bonding
- important in maintanance and repair
11
Q
Describe the adrenal gland?
A
- found on top of the kidney
- there are two types on on the outer (adrenal cortex) and inner (adrenal medulla)
12
Q
What does the adrenal cortex do
A
- produces cortisol
- produces aldosterone
13
Q
What does cortisol do?
`
A
- it’s a stress hormone
- has cardiovascular and anti-flammatory functions
14
Q
What does aldestrone do?
A
it maintains blood volume and pressure
15
Q
What does the adrenal medulla?
A
- releases adrenaline
- releases nora adrenaline
