Endocrine system Flashcards
Describe the function of the pituatry gland
Produces hormones whose primary function is to influence the release of hormones from other glands and in doing so regulate the body’s other functions. The pituitary gland will release hormones that travel in the bloodstream to their specific target ,and they either cause direct phsyiological processes in the body or stimulate other glands to produce other hormones.
Give examples of hormones proudced by the adrenal glands
The adrenal cortex produces cortisol which regulates and supports a variety of important bodily functions including cardiovascular and anti inflammatory functions, and the production of this is increased in response to stress. The adrenal cortex also produces aldosterone which maintains blood volume and pressure. The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline which prepare the body for flight or fight
Give examples of hormones produced by the pituatry gland
The anterior pituitary gland releases ACTH as a response to stress which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, the anterior also produces hormones important in controlling of reproductive functioning such as luteinising hormone and folicle stimulating hormone which stimulate the ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone in females, and in males they produce testosterone and sperm. The posterior pituitatry gland releases oxytocin which stimulates contraction of the uterus during labour and is important with mother infant bonding
Describe the structure and function of the adrenal glands
The 2 adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and they are made up of 2 distinct parts each, the outer part being the adrenal cortex and the inner part being the adrenal medulla. The difference between the 2 parts is the adrenal cortex releases hormones essential for life whereas the medulla releases hormones not needed for life.
Describe the function of hormone cortisol
It regulates and supports a variety of bodily functions including cardiovascular and anti- inflammatory functions. The production of this hormone is increased due to stress, and when this level is low, a person may have a low blood pressure, poor immune function and an inability to deal with stress
Describe the function of the hormone aldoesterone
Maintains blood volume and blood pressure
Describe the function of the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline
They prepare the body for flight or fight. Adrenaline helps the body respond to stressful situations by increasing heart rate and blood flow to the muscles and brain, and it helps with the conversion of glycogen to glucose to release energy during respiration. Noradrenaline will constrict the blood vessels causing blood pressure to increase
What is the function of ACTH
This is released in response to stress, and it stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol meaning the pituitrty gland and the adrenal glands are interlinked
What is the function of FSH and LH?
In females they stimulate the ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone and in males they stimulate the testes to release testosterone and sperm
What is the function of oxytocin?
Stimulates contraction of the uterus during childbirth and is important for mother infant bonding
Describe the function of the ovaries
The two ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system and they are responsible for the production of eggs and for the hormones oestrogen and progesterone
Describe the function of the testes
These are the male reproductive glands that produce the hromone testosterone which causes the development of male characteristics such as growth of facial hair, deepening of voice and the growth spurt that takes place during puberty. The production of this is controlled by the hypothalamus which instructs the pituatry gland on how much testosterone to release and the pituatry gland passes this on to the testes. Testosterone also plays a part in male sex drive, sperm production and the maintenance of muscle strength.
Describe the bodily changes that occur in response to acute sudden stressors
The sympathetic nervous system is triggered, and this begins the process of preparing the body for the rapid action necessary for fight or flight, as it sends a signal to the adrenal medulla which responds by releasing adrenaline into the bloodstream which has a no of effects( on a seperate card) Then the parasympathetic branch of the ANS dampens down the stress reponse, slowing down heart rate and decreasing blood pressure, and digestion will begin again
What does the hormone adrenaline do in the body to assist the response to acute stressors in the body? FoF
The heart beats faster, pushing blood containing oxygen to the heart, muscles and other vital organs and blood pressure increases. Breathing also becomes more rapid in order to take in as much oxygen as possible with each breath, and it also triggers the release of blood glucose and fats which flood into the blood stream supplying energy to parts of the body assosiated with the flight or fight response
Describe the bodys changes in response to chronic (ongoing) stressors
The initail surge of adrenaline will begin to subside, and the hypothalamus activates a stress response system called the HPA axis ( hypothalamus, pituatry, adrenal) The HPA axis relies on a number of hormonal signals to keep the SNS working and in response to continued threat, the hypothalamus releases a chemical messenger, corticothrophin releasing hormone ( CRH) which is released into the bloodstream as a response to the stressor.
Then the CRH will arrive at the P gland causing it to produce adrenocorticotrophic hormone ( ATCH) and this is sent in the bloodstream to the target adrenal glands. The ACTH will then stimulate adrenal cortex to release cortisol which activates a response that is important in FoF including quick burst of energy and lower sensitivity to pain whereas some are less important and more negative such as lower immune response and impaired cognitive performance
