hormonal communication Flashcards
What are hormones
signalling molecules screted by endocrine glands
are secreted directly into the blood
what are endocrine glands
groups of cells that are specialised to secrete hormones
What are adrenal glands
endocrine glands that are found above the kidney
What is the adrenal gland composed of
Medulla (inner part)
Cortex (outer part)
What does the cortex do
secretes cortisol and aldosterone
What are the effects of cortisol and aldosterone
stimulates breakdown of proteins and fats into glucose
increasing blood volume and pressure by increasing uptake of sodium ions by kidney
supressing immune system
What does the medulla do
secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline
What are the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline
increases heart rate and breathing rate
which causes cells to break down glycogen into glucose
constricts some blood vessels so that blood is diverted to brain and muscles
describe the pancrease
found below stomach
the bits of the pancreases that have endocrine tissue is called islets of Langerhans
these are found in clusters in capillaries
islets of Langerhans secrets hormones directly into blood
What are the islets of Langerhans made of
Alpha cells
Beta cells
What do alpha cells do
Secrete glucagon
What do beta cells do
Secrete insulin
