Endocrine System Flashcards
Properties of endocrine glands
- Ductless
2. Secrete hormones directly into capillaries
Glands in the endocrine system
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
- Pineal gland
- Thyroid
- Parathyroid gland
- Thymus
- Pancreas
- Kidneys
- Adrenal glands
- Ovaries
- Testes
Hypothalamus function
- Responsible for maintenance of homeostatic secretion
- Controls hormone secretion
Structure of pituitary gland
Anterior and posterior lobe
Composition of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland
Glandular tissue
Composition of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland
Neural tissue of the hypothalamus
Function of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland
Secretes many hormones to help maintain homeostasis
Example of hormones secreted by anterior lobe
- Growth hormone
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which acts on the thyroid which releases hormones to stimulate metabolism (BMR)
Example of hormone secreted by posterior lobe
Oxytocin
Thyroid function
Secretes T4 and T3 hormones & calcitonin
Function of T4 and T3 hormones
- Increase protein synthesis
- Increase cell respiration of all foods
Function of calcitonin
- increases bone calcium content
- decreases blood calcium level when too high
Function of the parathyroid
Secretes parathyroid hormone
Why is the parathyroid hormone produced?
In response to calcium levels in the blood
- too low, PTH increased
- too high, PTH decreased
Function of the pineal gland
Produces and regulates hormones
Example of hormone produced by the pineal gland
Melatonin
Function of melatonin
Important in regulating circadian rhythms
Function of thymus
Secretes hormones that promote the maturation of T cells
Composition of pancreas
Islet cells that are split into alpha and beta cells
Function of alpha cells
Produces glucagon
Function of beta cells
Produces insulin
Function of glucagon
- breaks down glycogen (stored glucose)
- so produced if blood sugar levels are too low
Function of insulin
Regulate blood sugar levels
Function of kidneys
- Regulate chemical balance of blood (e.g. sodium)
- Remove waste and excess water
- Regulate blood pressure
- Secrete erythropoietin