Lesson 4 - Endocrine System

Question 1

What are glands?

Answer 1

Glands are organs in the body which synthesise hormones

Question 2

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 2

The endocrine system is a series of glands which slowly release chemicals (hormones), through the body, via the bloodstream, to organs in the body.

Question 3

What is the function of the endocrine system?

Answer 3

The endocrine system provides a chemical system of communication, in the body, via the bloodstream, where endocrine glands produce and secrete hormones which maintain and regulate many bodily functions.

Question 4

What are target cells?

Answer 4

Hormones secreted into the bloodstream come into contact with most cells in the body. However, only target cells respond to particular hormones as they have receptor sites for that hormone.

Question 5

What occurs after enough receptor sites are stimulated by a hormone?

Answer 5

A physiological reaction occurs.

Question 6

Where is the pituitary gland located?

Answer 6

The Brain

Question 7

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Answer 7

The pituitary gland produces stimulating hormones which influence the release of other hormones from other glands in the body (the pituitary gland regulates the endocrine system as a whole).

Question 8

What controls the pituitary gland? Where is it?

Answer 8

The hypothalamus.

Situated in a region just ABOVE the pituitary gland.

Question 9

Describe, in detail, the process of the pituitary glands function:

Answer 9

The hypothalamus receives information and sends a signal to the pituitary gland in the form of a releasing hormone. This causes the pituitary gland to secrete a stimulating hormone into the bloodstream which travels to target glands so that they can release their hormones.

Question 10

What happens when there is enough of the stimulating hormone in the bloodstream?

Answer 10

The hypothalamus shuts down the production of the releasing hormone which, in turn, causes the pituitary gland to shut down the production of the stimulating hormone.

Question 11

What are the two divisions of the pituitary gland?

Answer 11

The anterior pituitary gland

The posterior pituitary gland

Question 12

What is the function of the anterior pituitary gland?

Answer 12

It releases the hormone ACTH which regulates levels of the hormone cortisol.

Question 13

What is the function of the posterior pituitary gland?

Answer 13

It releases the hormone oxytocin which is crucial for infant / mother bonding.

Question 14

Where are adrenal glands located?

Answer 14

On top of the kidneys

Question 15

What are the two parts of the adrenal gland?

Answer 15

Adrenal Cortex

Adrenal Medulla

Question 16

What is the Adrenal Cortex?

Answer 16

The Adrenal Cortex is the outer section of the adrenal gland which produces the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced in high amounts when someone is experiencing long term (chronic) stress. Cortisol is also responsible for the cardiovascular system where it will increase blood pressure and cause blood vessels to constrict.

Question 17

What is the Adrenal Medulla?

Answer 17

The Adrenal Medulla is the inner section of the adrenal gland which produces the hormone adrenaline. Adrenaline is needed for the fight or flight response which occurs when someone is acutely (suddenly/short-term) stress. Adrenaline will increase heart rate, dilate pupils and stop digestion

Question 18

What is the difference between hormones and neurotransmitters?

Answer 18

Hormones are slow acting and are present in the bloodstream

Neurotransmitters are fast acting and are present in the nervous system.

Question 19

Where is the pineal gland located?

Answer 19

Deep in the brain in an area called the epithalamus

Question 20

What is the function of the pineal gland?

Answer 20

The pineal gland is responsible for releasing the hormone Melatonin.

Question 21

What is the hormone Melatonin responsible for?

Answer 21

Melatonin is released when it is dark to help regulate our sleeping patterns and when it gets light, melatonin levels decrease which allows us to wake up more easily in the morning.

In winter we find it harder to wake up, due to melatonin levels still being fairly high as it is still dark in the morning.