Endocrine System Function Flashcards
What is the endocrine system made up of?
The endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete hormones, or chemical messengers that create long lasting effects all around the body.
What are the differences between neurotransmitters and hormones?
Unlike neurotransmitters, hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel around the body, affecting any cells that have receptors for them. The effects of hormones are widespread. Also, hormones are slower to take effect and tend to be longer lasting.
What are hormones involved in?
Regulating all sorts of bodily functions
How are hormones controlled?
They are ultimately controlled through interactions between the hypothalamus (in the central nervous system) and the pituitary gland (in the endocrine system).
Imbalances in hormones are related to a number of disorders.
Where is the pituitary gland?
The pituitary gland descends from the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, and acts in close association with it.
What is the pituitary gland referred to as?
the master gland because its messenger hormones control all the other glands in the endocrine system (although it mostly carries out instructions from the hypothalamus).
In addition to messenger hormones, the pituitary also secretes growth hormone, endorphins for pain relief, and a number of important hormones that regulate fluid levels in the body.
Where is the thyroid gland located?
In the neck. It releases hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and appetite.
Where are the adrenal glands located?
on top of the kidneys
What hormones do the adrenal glands secrete?
Secrete hormones involved in the stress response, such as adrenaline.
What hormones do the adrenal glands secrete?
Secrete hormones involved in the stress response, such as adrenaline.
What hormones do the adrenal glands secrete?
Secrete hormones involved in the stress response, such as adrenaline.
The pancreas is an organ that secreted hormones that regulate blood _____ ____ : insulin, which lowers levels, and _______, which raises them.
sugar levels, glucagon
What hormones to the gonads secrete?
Sexual hormones, which are important for reproduction. They also mediate both sexual motivation and behaviour. The female gonads are the ovaries; the male gonads are the testes. Ovaries secrete oestrogens and progesterone, and the testes secrete androgens, such as testosterone.
What is the pineal gland?
A small pea shaped gland in the brain. Its main function is the production and regulation of melatonin, which is important for regulating sleep.
