Endocrine System(Complete) Flashcards
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands.
They travel in the bloodstream to target an organ, where they cause a response.
What are the chemical nature of many hormones?
Proteins
What hormones are made using cholesterol?
Oestrogen
Progesterone
Testosterone
What features do endocrine glands have?
They are ductless glands
They secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
GIve examples of endocrine glands.
Pituitary gland
Thyroid gland
Adrenals
What features do exocrine glands have?
They have ducts
They deliver their secretions through ducts that carry them to their destination
Give examples of exocrine glands.
Salivary glands
Sweat Glands
Tear Glands
Compare the endocrine and the nervous system.
Endocrine system: Chemical transmission Slower action Widespread- many target organs Long-lasting effect
Nervous system: Electrical transmission Fast action Localised-specific target organs Short term effects
Explain why hormonal responses are slower than nervous responses.
Hormonal responses are chemical
Nervous responses are electrical
Where is the pituitary gland located?
The base of the brain
What hormone does the pituitary gland produce?
Human growth hormone
What is the function of the human growth hormone?
Causes elongation of the skeleton
It stimulates body cells to absorb amino acids and build protein
Where is the pineal gland located?
Within the brain
What hormone does the pineal gland produce?
Melatonin
What is the function of melatonin?
It causes mental relaxation and sleep
Enhances immunity
Where is the hypothalamus located?
Under the thalamus
Within the brain
What hormone does the hypothalamus produce?
TRH-Thyroid Releasing Hormone
What is the function of TRH?
It stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete TSH-Thyroid Stimulating Hormone