GCP-BioPsy: Endocrine System Flashcards
How does the endocrine system sends information?
The endocrine system sends information as chemical signals.
What is the endocrine system also known as?
The hormonal system.
What does the endocrine system consist of?
- Glands
2. Hormones.
What is a gland?
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).
What is a hormone?
Hormones are ‘chemical messengers’.
What types of hormone are there? (2)
Many hormones are proteins or peptides (e.g. insulin), but some hormones are steroids (e.g. progesterone).
When are hormones secreted?
Hormones are secreted when a gland is stimulated.
How are glands stimulated? (2)
Glands can be stimulated by a change in concentration of a specific substance (sometimes another hormone). They can also be stimulated by electrical impulses.
What is the function of a hormone?
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).
What is an organ containing target cells called?
A target organ.
Explain the process hormones undertake when the body has low blood glucose concentration. (5)
- Stimulus - Low blood glucose concentration.
- Receptors - Receptors on pancreas cells detect the low blood glucose concentration.
- Hormone - The pancreas releases the hormone glucagon into the blood.
- Effectors - Target cells in the liver detect glucagon and convert glycogen into glucose.
- Response - Glucose is released into the blood, so glucose concentration increases.
Name four bodily functions the endocrine system is responsible for regulating.
- Growth
- Metabolism
- Sleep
- Reproduction
Name the major glands in the endocrine system (9).
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
- Pineal gland
- Thyroid gland
- Parathyroid glands
- Thymus gland
- Adrenal glands
- Pancreas
- Gonads (ovaries and testes)
What’s the function of the hypothalamus?
It produces hormones that control the pituitary gland.
What’s the function of the pituitary gland?
It’s known as the ‘master gland’ because it releases hormones to control other glands in the endocrine system.
What’s the function of the pineal gland?
It’s responsible for the production of melatonin, which plays a role in the control of sleep patterns.
What’s the function of the thyroid gland?
It produces hormones such as thyroxine. The thyroid is responsible for controlling the body’s metabolic rate, as well as regulating growth and maturation.
What’s the function of the parathyroid glands?
They produce a hormone called the parathyroid hormone. This helps control the levels of minerals such as calcium within he body.
What’s the function of the Thymus gland?
It regulates the immune system.
What’s the function of the Adrenal glands?
They produce hormones such as adrenaline. Responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response.
What’s the function of the Pancreas?
It releases the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar level.
What’s the function of the Gonads?
They produce sex hormones, e.g. testosterone and oestrogen. These are important in reproduction and the development of sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
Is chemical communication (by hormones) slower or quicker than electrical communication (by nerves)? Why’?
No. Hormones must travel in the blood to get to their destination.
Are hormones broken down slower or quicker than neurotransmitters? What does this result in?
No. This means the effects of hormones can last for much longer.
