Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
Is a network of glands across the body that secrete chemical messengers called hormones
How does the endocrine system transport hormones around the body?
Uses blood vessels to transport hormones to specific target cross to produce different effects
Which gland is the hypothalamus connected to?
The pituitary gland
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
Responsible for stimulating or controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
What is the hypothalamus usually regarded as?
The control system which regulates the who endocrine system
What is the role of the pituitary gland?
The hormones released here control and stimulate the release of hormones from other glands
What is the pituitary gland split into?
The posterior lobe and the anterior lobe
What hormone does the anterior lobe produce?
ACTH which stimulates the adrenal cortex and the release of cortisol
What hormone is released from the posterior hormone?
Oxytocin- responsible for uterus contractions in child birth
What does the thyroid gland release?
Thyroxine responsible for regulating metabolism as well as regulating growth and maturation
What does the pineal gland release?
Melatonin responsible for biological rhythms such as sleep wake cycle
What does the adrenal glands produce?
Adrenaline responsible for fight of flight
What is the pancreas responsible for secreting?
Insulin which regulates blood sugar levels
How does the endocrine system work?
Hormones are secreted when a gland is stimulated
Hormones diffuse directly into the blood and they are taken out of the body by the circulatory system
Each hormone will only bind to specific receptors for that hormone
The hormone triggers a response in effector
How can a gland be stimulated?
Change in concentration or specific substance and by electrical impulses
How does fight or flight occur? As
Initial shock response causes hypothalamus to trigger activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS
This stimulates the adrenal medulla within the andrenal glands which releases adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood stream
These hormones effect the body in certain ways
The result of these changes is that the body is ready to use energy to deal with the stressful situation
How does fight of flight effect the body?
Increased blood pressure and heart rate- gets blood to areas needed for activity
Digestion decreases so blood can be directed to brain and muscles
Muscles are tense because the body is physically responsive
Perspiration increases so body can cool down
Breathing rate increases so that more oxygen can be sent to muscles
Pupil size increases so more light can enter the eye for clearer vision
What is a gland?
Group of cells that are specialised to secrete a useful substance such as a hormone
What is a hormone?
A hormone is a chemical messenger that are usually proteins or peptides for example insulin . A hormone can also be a steroid
What is synaptic transmission⚽️
The process in which one neutron communicates with another
Information is passed down the axon as an electrical impulse- action potential
Once the impulse reaches the end of the axon it must be carried over the synaptic gap between the post and pre synaptic neuron
Synaptic vesicles contain hormones which are released in order to carry the electrical impulse over the synapse
The neurotransmitters then bind to the receptors of the post synaptic neuron
Why is the endocrine system different to the nervous system?
It is slower as hormones must travel through the blood to target cells
They aren’t broke down as quickly- the effects can last for much longer
Hormones are transferred all over the body
