Lesson 4: Endocrine system Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
a NETWORK of glands across the body that secrete chemical messages called HORMONES into the bloodstream
What are endocrine glands?
Glands that are responsible for PRODUCING + SECRETING hormones into the bloodstream which are required to regulate BODILY FUNCTIONS
What are the TWO major glands of the endocrine systemm
Pituitary gland
Adrenal gland
What type of cells do hormones affect?
Target cells
What do target cells do?
they respond to a particular hormone as they have the RECEPTORS for that hormones
What happens when many receptor sites (of target cells) are stimulated by a particular hormone
There is a physiological reaction
Where is the pituitary gland located?
Brain
What is the pituitary gland responsible for?
Producing hormones whose PRIMARY FUNCTION is to INFLUENCE the release of other hormones from other glands in the body
What is the pituitary gland controlled by?
the HYPOTHALAMUS
How does the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland
1) The hypothalamus RECEIVES information from many sources about the basic functions of the body.
2) The hypothalamus then sends a SIGNAL to the pituitary gland in the FORM of a RELEASING hormone.
3) Causing the pituitary gland to send a STIMULATING hormone into the bloodstream to tell the TARGET gland to release its hormone.
What happens when levels of the STIMULATING hormone rise in the body
hypothalamus shuts down production of RELEASING hormone causing the pituitary gland to shut down the production of the STIMULATING hormone
What are the TWO division of the pituitary gland?
(Antoine + Poston)
Anterior pituitary gland
Posterior pituitary gland
What hormone does the Anterior pituitary gland release?
ACTH-> regulates levels of the hormone CORTISOL
What hormone does the Posterior pituitary gland release?
OXYTOCIN-> crucial for mother + infant bonding
How many adrenal glands do we have
2
