endocrine system Flashcards
\
what is the function of endocrine glands?
secrete hormones into the bloodstream
what are hormones?
chemical messengers that regulate activity of body cells, slow messengers, requires blood supply
what are feedback loops?
provide constant adjustment to hormone levels
what are negative feedback loops?
a stimulus causes an endocrine gland to release hormones, hormones help bring body back to homeostasis, once homeostasis is achieved, the hormone release stops
what is the endocrine system overseen by?
Hypothalamus
function of hypothalamus?
produces hormones that regulate the anterior pituitary, produces hormones stored in the posterior pituitary, and oversees autonomic nervous system
what is the pituitary gland?
connected to hypothalamus via the infundibulum, divided into anterior and posterior
what is the posterior pituitary?
axons from hypothalamus cells and stores two hormones
what is oxytocin?
targets reproductive organs, stimulates smooth muscle contraction in the uterus and stimulates breastmilk release
what is antidiuretic hormone?
targets kidneys and inhibits urine formation/promotes water reabsorption
what is the anterior pituitary?
controlled by hypothalamus via regulatory hormones, secretes different hormones that stimulate target organs
what is the thyroid stimulating hormone?
targets thyroid gland, stimulate thyroid to produce/release its own hormones
what is prolactin?
targets mammary glands, stimulates breastmilk production
what is adrencorticotropic hormone?
targets adrenal cortex, stimulates adrenal cortex to release its hormones
what is the growth hormone?
targets body cells of bone and muscle, stimulates growth
