Endocrine System Flashcards
What type of system is the endocrine system?
Slow acting
It operates based on chemicals (hormones) and has a slow transmission rate.
What are the effects of hormones produced by the endocrine system?
Long lasting, widespread effects
Hormones have prolonged impacts on various bodily functions.
What distinguishes exocrine glands from endocrine glands?
Exocrine glands have ducts; endocrine glands are ductless
Endocrine glands produce hormones directly into the bloodstream.
What are hormones?
A protein or steroid produced by endocrine glands
Hormones are carried in the blood to target organs.
Name three major hormonal glands.
- Pituitary
- Hypothalamus
- Thyroid
This is a partial list of the major glands in the endocrine system.
Where is the pituitary gland located?
Base of brain
The pituitary gland is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ due to its role in regulating other glands.
What hormone is produced by the pituitary gland?
Growth hormone
This hormone is crucial for bone elongation (growth).
What is the function of ADH?
Causes water to be reabsorbed in kidneys
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) helps regulate water balance in the body.
What hormone is produced by the pineal gland?
Melatonin
Melatonin controls body rhythms, such as sleep-wake cycles.
What is the primary function of parathormone?
Controls release of calcium from bones into plasma
Parathormone plays a critical role in calcium homeostasis.
What hormone does the thymus produce and what is its function?
Thymosin; matures white blood cells
Thymosin is essential for the immune system development.
What hormone is associated with emergency responses?
Adrenaline
Also known as epinephrine, it prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.
What is the role of insulin?
Reduces blood sugar levels
Insulin is crucial for glucose metabolism and energy regulation.
Fill in the blank: The _______ regulates metabolism.
Thyroid
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolic rates.
Where is the adrenal gland located?
Top of kidneys
The adrenal glands produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is located on the trachea and produces Thyroxine.
Thyroid
Thyroxine is a key hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism.
What is the function of thymosin?
Matures white blood cells
Thymosin is important for the immune response, particularly in childhood.
What does a deficiency of thyroxine cause in young children?
Cretinism (mental/physical retardation)
Cretinism is characterized by severe physical and mental growth retardation.
What are the effects of thyroxine deficiency in adults?
Goitre, myxoedema, reduced rates of metabolism, slow responses, lack of energy, excess weight, fluid build-up under skin
Myxoedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism in adults.
How can thyroxine deficiency be controlled?
By taking thyroxine or iodine
Iodine is essential for the production of thyroxine.
What are the results of excess thyroxine?
Increased rates of metabolism, weight loss, large appetite, Graves disease
Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland.
How can excess thyroxine be controlled?
By removing part of the thyroid or killing it with radioactive iodine
Radioactive iodine therapy is a common treatment for hyperthyroidism.
What type of gland is the pancreas considered?
Both an exocrine gland and an endocrine gland
The pancreas has both exocrine functions (digestive enzymes) and endocrine functions (insulin).
What is diabetes characterized by?
The inability of the islets of Langerhans to make sufficient insulin
Diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels and various complications.
How can diabetes be controlled?
By regular injections of insulin and controlling the intake of carbohydrates
Managing carbohydrate intake helps regulate blood sugar levels.
What are anabolic steroids used for?
To enhance muscle growth in sport and agriculture
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone.
What can abuse of anabolic steroids result in?
Liver and adrenal disorders and a number of sexual disorders
Abuse can lead to serious health issues, including hormonal imbalances.
What is negative feedback in relation to thyroxine?
Normal levels of thyroxine inhibit TSH production, reducing thyroxine production
TSH stands for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone.
What happens when thyroxine concentrations are reduced?
TSH is produced, leading to new thyroxine production until normal levels are restored
This is a regulatory mechanism to maintain hormone balance.
What is goitre?
A swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck
Goitre can be symptomatic of thyroid dysfunction, particularly due to iodine deficiency.
What causes goitre?
A lack of iodine, resulting in an underproduction of thyroxine
The thyroid swells due to storing large amounts of TSH when thyroxine is low.
