Function of the Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

• Network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete chemical messengers known as hormones
• Regulates physiological processes of the human body
• Uses blood vessels to deliver hormones to their target sites

Question 2

What are the main features of the endocrine system?

Answer 2

• Endocrine glands
• Hypothalamus
• Pituitary glands
• Testes
• Ovaries

Question 3

What are endocrine glands?

Answer 3

• Each secrete hormones for different bodily functions in organs and tissues

Question 4

Which Endocrine glands release which hormone and what are their functions?

Answer 4

Thyroid - Thyroxine
- Regulates metabolic rate and synthesises protein

Adrenal Medulla - Nor/Adrenaline
- Fight or flight response, increase HR, blood flow to brain and muscles, release glucose stores

Testes - Testosterone & Androgens
- Develops male sexual characteristics, promotes muscle mass and growth

Ovaries - Oestrogen & Oestradiol
- Regulates female reproductive system, menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Question 5

What are pituitary glands?

Answer 5

• Master gland
• Controls release of hormones from all other endocrine glands in the body
• Cause physiological changes or stimulate other glands rot release hormones

Question 6

What are Pituitary glands main hormones released and what are the effects?

Answer 6

Growth Hormone
- General promotion of cell growth and multiplication in body

Prolactin
- Targets mammary glands, stimulates milk production in females

Adrenocorticol Trophic Hormone
- Stimulates release of glucocorticoids such as cortisol which is a stress response

Oxytocin
- Promotes uterine contraction in childbirth and lactation post birth

Question 7

What are the adrenal glands?

Answer 7

• Trigger the fight or flight response
• Made up off the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla

Question 8

What are adrenal glands main hormones released and what are the effects?

Answer 8

Cortisol
- suppresses immune system

Aldosterone
- Maintains blood flow and volume

Adrenaline
- Increases heart rate and blood flow to muscle and brain

Noradrenaline
- Constricts blood vessels to increase blood pressure

Question 9

What do the testes do?

Answer 9

• Produce testosterone
• Develops male characteristics like facial hair, deep voice, growth, growth of a humongous penis
• Production controlled by hypothalamus and pituitary gland
• Sex drive, sperm count
• Overall well-being of men

Question 9

What do the ovaries do?

Answer 9

• Responsible for the production of eggs and for the hormones oestrogen and progesterone