Endocrine System

Question 1

Endocrine System

Answer 1

• made up of a number of glands that release chemical messengers known as hormones into the blood
• these chemicals affect more distant cells (as opposed to the nerve cells that mainly communicate with other nerve cells)
• responds to input from the nervous system and from the hypothalamus
• especially involved with arousal, metabolism, growth and sex
• contains the below glands

Question 2

Pineal gland (Brain)

Answer 2

• releases chemical messenger, melatonin
• maintains our sleep-wake cycles
• melatonin used to offset unpleasant effects of jetlag
• melatonin usually released in early evenings and breaks down in the presence of light

Question 3

Pituitary gland (Above roof of mouth)

Answer 3

• body’s master gland: many hormones released activates the body’s other glands
• regulated by the hypothalamus
• direct the release of growth hormones
• other pituitary hormones control the production and release of sex hormones

Question 4

Thyroid gland (below larynx)

Answer 4

• raises or lowers rate of metabolism

- Low levels of thyroid: mimic symptoms of depression

Question 5

Adrenal gland (just above kidneys)

Answer 5

• activated by pituitary hormones in times of stress
• adrenal glands release other hormones including cortisol that travel throughout body and brain to provide a general wakeup message

Question 6

Islets of Langerhans (in pancreas)

Answer 6

• produce a number of hormones essential to digestion, including insulin