foundation 7 Endocrine system Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
A system of glands that secrete chemical messengers (neuropeptides and hormones) for communication and regulation of body processes.
What are the two types of chemical messengers secreted by the endocrine glands?
Neuropeptides and hormones.
What is the role of neuropeptides?
Some neuropeptides reach the brain and influence the neural system, playing important roles in stress regulation, social bonding, emotion, and memory.
What is the role of hormones?
Hormones are secreted into the blood, carried throughout the body, and influence many organs, including the brain.
How is the release of neuropeptides and hormones regulated?
By the brain through the hypothalamus.
What is the significance of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?
It regulates the release of neuropeptides and hormones, giving the brain additional control over the body’s organs.
How do hormones affect the body, especially during stress or emotional arousal?
They influence the body in diffuse ways, affecting metabolism, blood pressure, blood sugar level, and sexual functioning.
How many endocrine glands are there in the body?
Seven.
What is the pituitary gland known as?
The body’s master gland.
What functions does the pituitary gland regulate?
The body’s reaction to stress, resistance to disease, blood pressure, thirst, and body growth.
What is the role of the adrenal glands?
They play an important role in emotional arousal.
Which hormones are secreted by the adrenal glands?
Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol.
What is the importance of the hormones secreted by the adrenal glands?
They are crucial in stress reactions.
What are the two ways the autonomic nervous system activates internal organs?
- By directly affecting the organs. 2. By stimulating the adrenals and other endocrine glands to release hormones that influence the organs.
Why does it take time to feel calm after a stressful event?
Because it takes a while for hormones to leave the bloodstream.
Which endocrine gland secretes glucagon and insulin?
Islets of Langerhans.
What is the function of glucagon and insulin?
To control blood sugar levels.
Why is the control of blood sugar levels psychologically important?
It is one of the factors influencing the hunger motive.
What hormones do the gonads secrete?
Ovaries secrete estrogen, testes secrete testosterone.
What is the significance of sex hormones?
They play a role in guiding brain development and changes in social behavior during adolescence.
Why is the thyroid gland important in children?
Proper functioning is necessary for proper mental development.
What are the consequences of serious thyroid deficiency in childhood?
Sluggishness, poor muscle tone, and a rare type of mental retardation called cretinism.
What are the effects of hypothyroidism in adults?
Inactivity and overweight.
What is the function of the parathyroid glands?
They are important for the functioning of the nervous system.
What is the effect of excessive PTH?
It inhibits nervous activity, leading to lethargy.
What is the effect of insufficient PTH?
It leads to excessive nervous activity and tension.
Which hormone does the pineal gland secrete?
Melatonin.
What does melatonin regulate?
Biological rhythms, including the menstrual cycle, sleep and wakefulness, and mood regulation.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
A type of depression related to mood regulation influenced by melatonin.
