[L3 Anatomy and Physiology] Section 5: The endocrine system

Question 1

The endocrine system helps maintain what?

Answer 1

Homeostasis

Question 2

The endocrine system exerts its influence using?

Answer 2

Hormones

Question 3

How are hormones produce and where do they secrete to?

Answer 3

Hormones are produced by glands and secreted into the bloodstream

Question 4

What are hormones and what is their purpose?

Answer 4

Hormones are chemicals that are released into the bloodstream to help control and manage the internal environment of the body.

Question 5

Describe the general steps of how hormones work.

Answer 5

1. Endocrine gland receives stimulus.
2. Gland releases chemical hormone.
3. Hormone travels in bloodstream.
4. Hormone received by target cell receptors.
5. Cell stimulated to cause desired response.
6. Feedback to the originating gland.

Question 6

Name the 6 major endocrine glands

Answer 6

PITUITARY GLAND
THYROID GLAND
ADRENAL GLANDS
PANCREAS
OVARIES
TESTES

Question 7

What is the purpose of the Pituitary gland?

Answer 7

The ‘master gland’ - Many of the early endocrine outputs originate from here.

Question 8

What is the purpose of the Thyroid?

Answer 8

The master regulator of metabolism.

Question 9

What is the purpose of the Adrenal?

Answer 9

Named after their location on top of the renals (or kidneys).

These small glands primarily help to control and manage the stress response in the body.

Question 10

What is the purpose of the Pancreas?

Answer 10

Helps to control carbohydrate metabolism (blood-sugar levels).

Question 11

What are the two hormones released by the pancreas and what is their primary goal?

Answer 11

Insulin and Glucagon - Primary goal is to regulate glucose levels in the blood.

Question 12

What are the steps involved in reducing glucose levels?

Answer 12

1. Glucose enters the bloodstream
2. Pancreas detects increased levels of blood
   glucose
3. Pancreas secretes insulin into bloodstream
4. Insulin increases permeability of cells (esp. muscle
   and liver) and membranes to glucose
5. Blood glucose levels begin to drop
6. Pancreas detects drop in levels of blood glucose
7. Pancreas reduces insulin secretion
8. Cells become less permeable to insulin

Question 13

What are the steps involved in increasing glucose levels?

Answer 13

1. Glucose levels begin to drop
2. Pancreas detects decreased levels of blood
   glucose
3. Pancreas secretes glucagon into bloodstream
4. Glucagon stimulates the release of glucose from
   the liver
5. Blood glucose levels begin to rise
6. Pancreas detects rise in levels of blood glucose
7. Pancreas reduces glucagon secretion
8. Liver reduces release of glucose

Question 14

Where are the adrenal glands located?

Answer 14

The adrenals are small glands that sit on top of the kidneys.

Question 15

What is the name of the inner layer of the adrenal glands, and what category of hormones does it produce?

Answer 15

The inner layer (or adrenal medulla) produces a category of hormones called the ‘catecholamines’.

Question 16

What is the name of the outer layer of the adrenal glands, and what category of hormones does it produce?

Answer 16

The outer layer (the adrenal cortex) produces a category of hormones called the ‘corticosteroids’

Question 17

Why are the adrenals well located?

Answer 17

they have a direct link to the major blood vessels of

the body. This allows their valuable hormones to get out into circulation and have an effect very quickly.

Question 18

What is the most well-known hormone in the catecholamine category?

Answer 18

Adrenaline

Question 19

What is the primary hormone in the catecholamine category?

Answer 19

Cortisol

Question 20

What effect does adrenaline have on the body?

Answer 20

Increases heart rate, blood flow, and breathing and alertness levels, rapidly preparing the body for action.

Question 21

What effect does cortisol have on the body?

Answer 21

helps to provide reserves in the body for managing stress, whether mental, physical, or emotional, by breaking down carbohydrates and fats to provide energy for the body during stressful periods.

Question 22

Which category does aldosterone belong to and what effect does it have on the body?

Answer 22

Corticosteroid - It helps to regulate the balance of the minerals sodium and potassium in the blood, which play a major role in maintaining the water balance in the bloodstream.

Question 23

Growth hormone is released directly from which gland?

Answer 23

The pituitary gland

Question 24

Growth hormone is responsible for what effects on the body?

Answer 24

• Drives bone growth during puberty
• Stimulates protein synthesis in muscle tissue
• Helps to break down and release fat tissue from storage sites around the body for oxidation