Hormonal Communication Flashcards
what is the endocrine system made up of?
endocrine glands.
what is an endocrine gland?
a group of cells which are specialised to secrete chemicals (hormones)
what is the role of the pituitary gland?
- produces growth hormone for growth of muscles and bones.
- anti-diuretic hormone for increased reabsorption of water in kidneys.
- gonadotrophins which control the development of ovaries and testes.
what is the role of the thyroid gland?
- produces throxine which controls therate of metabolism and rate that glucose is used in respiration.
What is the role of the adrenal gland?
produces adrenaline which increases heart and breathing rate and raises blood sugar level.
What is the role of the pineal gland?
produces melatonin which affects reproductive development and daily cycles.
what is the role of the thymus?
produces thymosin which promotes production and maturation of white blood cells.
what is the role of the pancreas?
- produces insulin which converts excess glucose into glycagon in the liver.
- produces glucagon which converts glycogen back to glucose in the liver.
what is the role of the testis?
produces testosterone which controls sperm production and secondary sexual characteristics.
what is the role of the ovaries?
- produces oestrogen which controls ovulation and secondary sexual characteristics.
- produces progesterone which prepares the uterus lining for recieving an embryo.
how do exocrine glands work?
they secrete chemicals through ducts into organs.
what can hormones be?
- steroids
- proteins
- glycoproteins
- polypeptides
- amines
- tyrosine derivatives.
why are hormones described as chemical messengers?
they carry information from one part of the body to another.
what causes glands to be stimulated?
what causes glands to be stimulated?
