Function Of The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system

Answer 1

• second system in the body
• works alongside the nervous system
• made up of a network of of glands which release chemical messengers (hormones)
• these hormones transmit via blood vessels
• regulates cell and organ activity in the body and controls vital physiological processes

Question 2

Endocrine gland - Thyroid

Answer 2

Main hormone released- Thyroxine

Effects- regulates the body’s metabolic rate and growth rate

Question 3

Endocrine gland- Pineal

Answer 3

Main hormone released- melatonin

Effects- regulation of arousal, biological rhythms and the sleep-wake cycle

Question 4

Endocrine gland- adrenal medulla

Answer 4

Main hormone released- adrenaline and noradrenaline

Effects- fight/flight response and release of stored glucose and fats for fight/flight

Question 5

Endocrine gland- Adrenal cortex

Answer 5

Main hormone released-glucocorticoids such as cortisone and cortisol
Effects - further release of stored fats and glucose for energy expenditure and suppression on the immune system and the inflammatory response

Question 6

Pituitary gland

Answer 6

‘Master gland’ controls the release of hormones from all the endocrine glands in the body

Question 7

The hypothalamus

Answer 7

Controls the pituitary gland by stimulating/suppressing hormone secretion from the pituitary gland.