Lesson 2.5 The Endocrine System

Question 1

What are glands?

Answer 1

Glands are a collection of specialized cells that secrete substances into the body.

Question 2

How many kinds of glands are in the body?

Answer 2

Two: Exocrine glands and Endocrine glands.

Question 3

Give examples and functions of the exocrine glands.

Answer 3

Exocrine glands (sweat, mucus, digestive, and salivary glands) secrete substances such as sweat, oil, and saliva into ducts, where the substances are carried into body cavities.

Question 4

Name the functions of the endocrine glands.

Answer 4

Endocrine glands secrete dozens of chemical messengers, called hormones, and release them into the bloodstream to regulate all the systems in the body.

Question 5

How many types of endocrine glands are there?

Answer 5

The endocrine system is made up of nine major glands.

Question 6

Name the nine endocrine glands.

Answer 6

The hypothalamus, adrenals, pancreas, parathyroids, pineal, pituitary, thymus, thyroid, and the male and female sex glands (testes and ovaries).

Question 7

Where are the adrenal glands located?

Answer 7

The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys.

Question 8

What effect does the adrenal secretions produce?

Answer 8

Their secretions regulate the body’s metabolism and maintain proper levels of sodium and potassium in the blood.

Question 9

Name the primary function of the gonads.

Answer 9

The gonads are responsible for the development and maintenance of the male and female sex characteristics.

Question 10

What fluids are produced by the gonads?

Answer 10

In women, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. In men, the testes produce testosterone.

Question 11

Which of the 9 glands are in the brain?

Answer 11

The hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands are located in the brain.

Question 12

Where is the hypothalamus located in the brain?

Answer 12

The hypothalamus is located in the lower-middle part of the brain.

Question 13

What does the hypothalamus govern?

Answer 13

It is responsible for regulating many aspects of the body’s internal environment such as the heartbeat, blood pressure, appetite, water balance, and body temperature. It also controls the pituitary gland.

Question 14

What does the pituitary gland control?

Answer 14

It releases hormones that are involved in a broad range of functions, from reproduction to development.

Question 15

Describe and name the nature of the pineal glands secretions.

Answer 15

The pineal gland releases melatonin, responsible for maintaining the body’s internal clock and rhythms, such as sleep.

Question 16

Is the pancreas considered an organ or a gland?

Answer 16

It is both.

Question 17

Where is the pancreas located?

Answer 17

It is located behind and a little lower than the stomach.

Question 18

Name the purpose of the pancreas.

Answer 18

It secretes digestive enzymes, and most importantly, it produces insulin, the hormone that breaks down glucose. It also releases the hormone glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels.

Question 19

Where is the thymus gland?

Answer 19

It is located behind the sternum,

Question 20

What does the thymus produce?

Answer 20

The thymus produces hormones that promote the maturation of infection-fighting T-cells.

Question 21

Where is the thyroid located?

Answer 21

The thyroid, a U-shaped gland lying on either side of the trachea.

Question 22

What is the thyroids function?

Answer 22

It regulates metabolic rate.

Question 23

Where are the parathyroid glands?

Answer 23

The parathyroid glands are two pairs of small glands embedded in the surface of the thyroid gland, one pair on each side.

Question 24

What do the parathyroid glands produce?

Answer 24

The parathyroid glands are two pairs of small glands embedded in the surface of the thyroid gland, one pair on each side.

Question 25

What causes illness to the endocrine system?

Answer 25

The endocrine glands can become ill from autoimmune processes, viruses, and bacteria, just like any other body system. A weakened immune system, psychological stress, and physical exhaustion all adversely affect the hormonal system.