endocrine system and fight or flight

Question 1

What is the endocrine system

Answer 1

One of the body’s information systems
• Instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. which are required to regulate many bodily functions
• These hormones are carried towards target organs in the body.
Communicates via chemicals
To provide a chemical system of communication via the blood
stream

Question 2

What is a gland

Answer 2

An organ in the body that synthesises substances like hormones

Question 3

What is a hormone

Answer 3

A biochemical substance that circulates the blood but only affects target organs. They are are produced at large quantities but disappear quickly, they have powerful effects

Question 4

Examples of glands in the endocrine system

Answer 4

thyroid gland produces the hormone thyroxine. This hormone affects cells in the heart (increases heart rate). It also affects cells throughout the body increasing metabolic rates (the chemical processes taking place in the cells).
• the pineal gland produces melatonin, which may help regulate the wake-sleep cycle

Question 5

adrenaline in fight or flight

Answer 5

Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla in response to activation of the sympathomedullary pathway. (stress response)
- increase heart rate
- constricts blood vessels, increasing rate of blood flow and raising blood pressure
- increases blood to brain and skeletal muscle
- increases respiration and sweating
- increase blood supply/oxygen, to skeletal muscle for physical action
- increase oxygen to brain for rapid response planning

Question 6

How does the ANS and endocrine system work together in flight or fight

Answer 6

1. Stressor is perceived e.g. (you see a spider)
2. Hypothalamus triggers the pituitary gland and this triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of ANS.
3. The ANS then changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused sympathetic state.
4. Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla (part of adrenal gland) into the bloodstream.
5. Physiological changes include…(e.g. increase heart rates, decreased digestion..)
6. Once the threat/stressor has passed…Body returns to normal resting state (the parasympathetic state)