L4- Endocrine system

Question 1

what is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

• provides a chemical system of commnication in the body via the blood stream.
• consists of endocrine galnds that produce and secrete hormones.
• major glands are the pituitary gland and adrenal glands.

Question 2

what are hormones?

Answer 2

chemicals which are required to regulate bodily functions.

• each hormone only affects a number of cells called target cells.
• target cells have receptors specific to the hormone.
• once the hormone has stimulated enough receptor sites, there is a physiological reaction.

Question 3

what is the pituitary gland?

Answer 3

• located in the brain.
• produces hormones whose primary function is to influenc the release of other hormones from other glands.
• controlled by the hypothalamus.
• has two divisions.

Question 4

what are the two devisions of the pituitary gland?

Answer 4

1. Anterior pituitary gland- releases hormone ACTH, which regulates levels of the hormone cortisol.
2. Posterior pituitary gland- releases oxytocin, crucial for inafnt/mother bonding. also stimulates contractions during labour.

Question 5

how does the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland?

Answer 5

• hypothalamus recieves info from many sources.
• it sends a signal to the pituitary gland in the form of a releasing hormone.
• this causes pituitary gland to send a stimulating hormone into bloodstream to tell target gland to release its hormone.
• as levels of this hormone rise, hypothalamus stops production and pituitary gland stops secretion of stimulting hormone.

Question 6

What are the adrenal glands?

Answer 6

• we have 2 adrenal glands, situated on top of the kidneys.
  Each adrenal gland is made up of two distinct parts:
• adrenal cortex.
• adrenal medulla

Question 7

what is the adrenal cortex?

Answer 7

• the outer section of the adrenal gland.
• produces the hormone cortisol which is produced in high amounts when someone is experiencing chronic stress.
• cortisol is also responsible for the cardiovascular system, eg. it will increase blood pressure and cause blood vessels to constrict.

Question 8

what is the adrenal medulla?

Answer 8

• inner section of the adrenal gland.
• produces adrenaline, the hormone needed for fight or flight response when someone is suddenly stressed.
• adrenaline increase heart rate, dilates pupils and stops digestion.