Endocrine System

Question 1

endocrine system

Answer 1

the endocrine system is a chemical system of communication that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream

these hormones are carried towards target organs in the body and help regulate many bodily functions

the endocrine and nervous system work closely together to regulate various physiological processes in the human body

Question 2

glands

Answer 2

organs in the body that produce and secrete hormones (chemicals that circulate in the bloodstream) in order to regulate many bodily functions

the major endocrine gland is the pituitary gland, located in the brain

it is often called the master gland because it controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands in the body

Question 3

hormones

Answer 3

chemicals that circulate in the bloodstream and influence target organs (or any cell in the body that has a receptor for that particular hormone) in order to regulate bodily activity

they are produced in large amounts but disappear quickly

their effects are very powerful

timing of hormone release is critical as well as levels of hormones released

too much or too little at the wrong time can result in dysfunction of bodily systems

eg, adrenaline, melatonin

Question 4

glands in endocrine system

Answer 4

pituitary

adrenal

pineal

testes

ovaries

Question 5

pituitary gland

Answer 5

‘master gland’

influence the release of hormones from other glands

regulates many of the body’s functions

controlled by the hypothalamus

Question 6

adrenal gland

Answer 6

releases hormone adrenaline

important part of the sympathetic division in the fight-or-flight response as it facilitates the release of adrenaline to prepare body for rapid action

Question 7

pineal gland

Answer 7

facilitates releases of melatonin

regulates sleep

responsible for sleep-wake cycle

Question 8

testes

Answer 8

facilitate release of testosterone (male hormone)