Endocrine System Flashcards
What are the differences between the nervous system and the endocrine system?
Type of signal: NS = electrical, ES = chemical
Transmission of signal: NS = nerve cells, ES = bloodstream
Effectors: NS = muscles/glands, ES = target cells in particular organs
Response type: NS = muscle contraction/secretion, ES = chemical change
Response speed: NS = very rapid, ES = slower
Response duration: NS = short, ES = long
What is the hypothalamus responsible for?
Controlling the pituitary gland
What is the endocrine system made up of?
Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream
What does the endocrine system do?
Work alongside the nervous system to control and regulate physiological processes in the body through negative feedback
What is the structure of the pituitary gland?
What does the pituitary gland do?
Lies just below the hypothalamus and has two sections: anterior and posterior
Releases hormones that activate other glands or act directly upon target cells
What does the anterior pituitary gland produce?
What does the posterior pituitary gland secrete?
ACTH in response to stress which then travels to adrenal glands where cortisol is released. Also produces LH and FSH which bring about production of oestrogen and progesterone in females and stimulate production of testosterone and sperm in males
Oxytocin which initiates contractions of uterus in childbirth and brings about bonding between mother and infant
What is the structure of the adrenal glands?
Located on the top of the kidneys and each has two parts: the cortex and the medulla
What does the adrenal cortex produce?
What does the adrenal medulla produce?
Produces cortisol and other hormones after being stimulated by ACTH. Cortisol is increased in response to stress and encourages release of stored fats and sugars into bloodstream as well as suppressing immune system
Produces adrenaline and no adrenaline which bring about fight or flight response. Adrenaline increases heart rate enabling increases blood supply, no adrenaline constricts blood vessels increasing blood pressure
What do the ovaries secrete?
What does the testes produce?
Oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen prepares uterus for pregnancy, progesterone is involved in post ovulation stage of menstrual cycle
Testosterone which is responsible for male characteristics like hair, deep voice and growth spurt as well as playing a role in sex drive, sperm production and muscle strength
Where is the pineal gland located?
What does it release?
Brain
Melatonin, responsible for sleep-wake cycle
What does the thyroid gland release?
Thyroxine which regulates metablosim
