Endocrine System Flashcards
What does the endocrine system release?
Chemical messages we call, hormones.
What is the overall function of the endocrine system?
Homeostasis is the over function of the endocrine system. This is because it communicates and responds to environmental stimuli.
What does an endocrine gland do?
It secretes hormones directly into the blood stream or extracellular fluid to its target organ.
How is an endocrine gland distinct from an exocrine gland?
Endocrine glands are apart of the endocrine system, it secretes hormones internally accroding to stimuli. While exocrine glands secrete products outside of the body.
How do hormones move around the body?
Hormones move through the blood stream or through extracellular fluid.
Do hormones effect all cells
No, hormones do not effect all cells. A hormone can only effect a cell if the cell has the right receptor that corrosponds with that hormone.
What are 2 main classifications of hormones?
- Protein Based - Steroid Based
How do protein based proteins exert their effect on all cells?
Protein hormones must bind to receptor molecules in the cell membrane, causing the receptor molecule to change shape. This activates a signal, which passes into the cell. Causing further internal changes to the cell.
What challenges do protein based hormones have when trying to affect a cell?
It is a water-soluble protein-based hormone, therefore, it cannot easily cross membranes.
What advantage do steroid hormones have when trying to affect a cell?
They can pass easily through the cell membrane.
Draw a diagram to explain the mechanism by which both types of hormones are released, travel and then affect a target cell.
What is the function of transport proteins?
Helps transfer steroid hormones through the blood stream.
How do hormones work?
- Only cells that contain surface or internal receptors for the hormones respond to the hormones. 2. Once bound to their receptors, hormones produce a response by turning cellular processes on or off. They do this by altering the proteins that are functioning in or produced by the cell. 3. Hormones are effective in very small concentrations, because of the amplification that occurs in both the surface and internal receptor mechanisms. 4. The response to a hormone differs among target organs and among species.
What is the job of the hypothalamus?
The hypothalamus is the communication between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Why is the pituitary gland called the “Master Gland”?
It is called that because it controls all secretions of other glands.
What is the function of the Pineal Gland?
This gland is in the brain. One hormone produced there is melatonin.
What is the role of thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland produces the hormone called thyroxine.
What is the role of parathormone? Why is the consumption of calcium so important?
It’s a hormone release from the parathyroid. It stimulates the release of calcium from the bones. That is why we must continue to include calcium in our diet even when our bones are fully grown.
Where are the adrenal glands and what are their roles?
Adrenal gland sit on top of each kidney; it releases a hormone called Adrenaline. It’s role is to prepare the body for the fight or flight method.
What is the pancreas and what role does it play in the endocrine system?
The pancreas is an organ that secretes pancreatic juices for the digestive system, a hormone called insulin which reduces blood glucose levels in the blood.
Outline conditions associated with thyroid problems.
Cretinism- Under production of thyroxin in young children. Myxoedema- Under production of thyroxin in adults. Goitre- Swelling of the thyroid caused by myxoedema.
What does adrenaline do?
It increases blood flow to the heart, muscles and brain. It reduces blood flow to the kidney which decreases blood loss hwne cut. Allows more air flow.
What does adrenaline do?
It increases blood flow to the heart, muscles and brain. It reduces blood flow to the kidney which decreases blood loss when cut. It allows more airflow.
What hormone(s) do the ovaries secrete?
Estrogen and Progesterone
