GCP-BioPsy: Endocrine System

Question 1

How does the endocrine system sends information?

Answer 1

The endocrine system sends information as chemical signals.

Question 2

What is the endocrine system also known as?

Answer 2

The hormonal system.

Question 3

What does the endocrine system consist of?

Answer 3

1. Glands

2. Hormones.

Question 4

What is a gland?

Answer 4

A gland is a group of cells that are specialised to secrete a useful substance, such as a hormone (e.g. the pancreas secretes insulin).

Question 5

What is a hormone?

Answer 5

Hormones are ‘chemical messengers’.

Question 6

What types of hormone are there? (2)

Answer 6

Many hormones are proteins or peptides (e.g. insulin), but some hormones are steroids (e.g. progesterone).

Question 7

When are hormones secreted?

Answer 7

Hormones are secreted when a gland is stimulated.

Question 8

How are glands stimulated? (2)

Answer 8

Glands can be stimulated by a change in concentration of a specific substance (sometimes another hormone). They can also be stimulated by electrical impulses.

Question 9

What is the function of a hormone?

Answer 9

Hormones diffuse directly into the blood, then they’re taken around the body by the circulatory system. They diffuse out of the blood all over the body, but each hormone will only bind to specific receptors for that hormone, found on the membranes of some cells (called target cells). The hormones trigger a response in the target cells (the effectors).

Question 10

What is an organ containing target cells called?

Answer 10

A target organ.

Question 11

Explain the process hormones undertake when the body has low blood glucose concentration. (5)

Answer 11

1. Stimulus - Low blood glucose concentration.
2. Receptors - Receptors on pancreas cells detect the low blood glucose concentration.
3. Hormone - The pancreas releases the hormone glucagon into the blood.
4. Effectors - Target cells in the liver detect glucagon and convert glycogen into glucose.
5. Response - Glucose is released into the blood, so glucose concentration increases.

Question 12

Name four bodily functions the endocrine system is responsible for regulating.

Answer 12

1. Growth
2. Metabolism
3. Sleep
4. Reproduction

Question 13

Name the major glands in the endocrine system (9).

Answer 13

1. Hypothalamus
2. Pituitary gland
3. Pineal gland
4. Thyroid gland
5. Parathyroid glands
6. Thymus gland
7. Adrenal glands
8. Pancreas
9. Gonads (ovaries and testes)

Question 14

What’s the function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 14

It produces hormones that control the pituitary gland.

Question 15

What’s the function of the pituitary gland?

Answer 15

It’s known as the ‘master gland’ because it releases hormones to control other glands in the endocrine system.

Question 16

What’s the function of the pineal gland?

Answer 16

It’s responsible for the production of melatonin, which plays a role in the control of sleep patterns.

Question 17

What’s the function of the thyroid gland?

Answer 17

It produces hormones such as thyroxine. The thyroid is responsible for controlling the body’s metabolic rate, as well as regulating growth and maturation.

Question 18

What’s the function of the parathyroid glands?

Answer 18

They produce a hormone called the parathyroid hormone. This helps control the levels of minerals such as calcium within he body.

Question 19

What’s the function of the Thymus gland?

Answer 19

It regulates the immune system.

Question 20

What’s the function of the Adrenal glands?

Answer 20

They produce hormones such as adrenaline. Responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response.

Question 21

What’s the function of the Pancreas?

Answer 21

It releases the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar level.

Question 22

What’s the function of the Gonads?

Answer 22

They produce sex hormones, e.g. testosterone and oestrogen. These are important in reproduction and the development of sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics.

Question 23

Is chemical communication (by hormones) slower or quicker than electrical communication (by nerves)? Why’?

Answer 23

No. Hormones must travel in the blood to get to their destination.

Question 24

Are hormones broken down slower or quicker than neurotransmitters? What does this result in?

Answer 24

No. This means the effects of hormones can last for much longer.

Question 25

What does the hypothalamus prepare you for?

Answer 25

The hypothalamus prepares you for ‘fight or flight’.

Question 26

Explain the process of an initial shock response (flight or fight).

Answer 26

In the initial shock response, the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This stimulates the adrenal medulla within the adrenal glands, which releases adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream.

Question 27

Name 7 ways the adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones affect the body in an initial shock response, and why.

Answer 27

1. Blood pressure and heart rate increase to get blood quickly to areas of the body where it’s needed.
2. Digestion decreases so that blood can be directed to the brain and muscles.
3. Muscles become more tense so that the body is physically responsive.
4. Perspiration increases so that the body can cool down.
5. Breathing rate increases so that more oxygen can be sent to the muscles.
6. Pupil size increases so more light can enter the eye to allow for clearer vision.
7. Salvation decreases as the digestive system isn’t needed.