Hormones and Homeostasis Flashcards
Which of the body’s two systems uses proteins called hormones?
Endocrine / hormone system
How does the speed of the endocrine system compare to that of the nervous system?
The endocrine system is slow (except for adrenaline), whereas the nervous system is fast
How does the type of message sent by the endocrine system compare to that of the nervous system?
The endocrine system sends chemical messages, whereas the nervous system sends electrical impulses
How does the method of delivery by the endocrine system compare to that of the nervous system?
The endocrine system sends messages via the blood, whereas the nervous system sends messages along neurones
How does the response of the message by the endocrine system compare to that of the nervous system?
Within the endocrine system, only the target cells respond, even though the messages are sent all over the body, whereas the nervous system also has the target cells responding, but doesn’t send the messages all around the body
How is the role of the endocrine system compare to that of the nervous system?
The endocrine’s role is to control long term processes, such as reproduction and growth, whereas the nervous system is used when a fast response is needed
What controls the pituitary gland, and where is this controller located?
The hypothalamus, which is located in the brain
What gland produces adrenaline?
Adrenal gland
What gland produces insulin?
Pancreas
What gland produces testosterone?
Testis
What gland produces oestrogen?
Ovary
What gland produces progesterone?
Ovary
What gland produces ADH (Anti-Diuretic Hormone)?
Pituitary gland
What is the function of insulin, produced by the pancreas?
Causes the liver and muscles to take up glucose, converting it into glycogen
What is the function of ADH (Anti-Diuretic Hormone), produced by the pituitary gland?
Controls the amount of water lost in urine
What is the function of oestrogen, produced by the ovaries?
Stimulates uterus lining to develop, and the growth of secondary female characteristics
What is the function of progesterone, produced by the ovaries?
Maintains uterus lining
What is the function of testosterone, produced by the testes?
Causes the development of secondary male characteristics
What is the function of adrenaline, produced by the adrenal gland?
Increases heart and breathing rate for fight, fright or flight
What happens when a body’s blood sugar level is too high?
- Vision becomes blurry
- Severe weight loss can occur
Define ‘Homeostasis’
The maintenance of a constant internal environment, e.g. body water content, body temperature, and blood sugar level
What monitors the temperature of the blood, located in the brain?
Hypothalamus
What are the three main ways the body controls temperature?
- Sweating
- Shivering
- Controlling blood flow near the surface (Vasoconstriction and Vasodilation)
Define the process for temperature control involving your hairs when you’re too cold
Your hairs stand on end, which, like a seal’s blubber, provides insulation for radiation of heat
Define the process for temperature control involving sweat when you’re too cold
Less sweat is released by the sweat glands, therefore less heat is lost via evaporation
Define the process for temperature control involving vasoconstriction when you’re too cold
Blood vessels near the surface of the skin get narrower, they constrict, therefor less blood will flow near the surface of the skin, therefore less heat will be lost via radiation
Define the process for temperature control involving your hairs when you’re too hot
Your hairs lie flat, therefore an insulating layer of air is not formed
Define the process for temperature control involving sweat when you’re too hot
More sweat is released by the sweat glands, so when the sweat evaporates, heat energy is taken away from the skin, as evaporating requires energy
Define the process for temperature control involving vasodilation when you’re too hot
Blood vessels near the surface of the skin get wider, they dilate, therefor more blood will flow near the surface of the skin, therefore more heat will be lost via radiation
