Lesson 4- Function of Endocrine System- Glands & Hormones Flashcards
What is a gland?
Gland- organ in body that produces hormones e.g. pituitary gland
What is the endocrine system?
Endocrine system- made up of a series of glands- provides chemical system of communication in body via 🩸 stream
What are the 2 functions of the endocrine system?
1) Releases required amount of hormones to regulate bodily functions e.g. metabolism & growth
2) Provides chemical system of communication via 🩸 stream that relies on network of glands
Where is pituitary gland situated?
Situated in 🧠
What are the 2 sections of the adrenal gland?
1) Outer section- adrenal cortex
2) Inner section- adrenal medulla
What is the function of the adrenal cortex?
- Produces cortisol- produced lots when experiencing chronic (long term) stress 😥
- Cortisol responsible for cardiovascular system- e.g. ⬆️ 🩸 pressure and cause 🩸 vessels to constrict
What is the function of the adrenal medulla (inner section)?
- Produces adrenaline- produced when someone acutely (suddenly) stressed 😥- prepare for 🛩/🥊
- Adrenaline- ⬆️❤️ rate prepares body for 🛩/🥊- dilates 👁 and stops 🛑 digestion
What do the endocrine glands do?
Endocrine glands- produce and secrete hormones into 🩸stream which are required to regulate many bodily functions
What are the name of the cells a hormone affects?
Target cells
Why does a hormone only effect target cells when it comes into contact with many other cells?
Target cells respond to particular hormone because they have receptors for that hormone
What causes a physiological reaction?
When enough receptor sites are stimulated by a hormone there is a physiological reaction
How many divisions does the pituitary gland have and what are they?
2 divisions:
1) Anterior Pituitary Gland
2) Posterior Pituitary Gland
What is the main function of the pituitary gland as a whole?
Produce hormones (stimulating hormone) whose primary function is to influence release of other hormones from other glands in body
What is the pituitary gland controlled by?
The pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
1) Hypothalamus receives info from many sources about basic functions of body
2) Hypothalamus sends signal to pituitary gland in form of releasing hormone
Where is the hypothalamus located?
Located above pituitary gland in 🧠
How does the pituitary gland respond to the releasing hormone sent by the hypothalamus?
Causes pituitary gland to send stimulating hormone into 🩸stream to tell target gland to release its hormone
What happens as the levels of the required hormone secreted by the target gland ⬆️ in the 🩸stream?
As levels of hormone ⬆️ in 🩸stream the hypothalamus shuts down production of releasing hormone and pituitary gland shuts down secretion of stimulating hormone
What is the anterior pituitary gland responsible for?
Anterior pituitary gland releases hormone called ACTH (regulates levels of hormone cortisol)
What is the posterior pituitary gland responsible for?
Posterior pituitary gland responsible for releasing hormone
oxytocin (crucial for 👶/🤰 bonding)
How many adrenal glands do humans have?
2
Where are the adrenal glands located?
On top of the kidneys
What section of the adrenal gland is the adrenal cortex?
Outer section
What section of the adrenal gland is the adrenal medulla?
Inner section
Describe the location of the glands on the human body
See bottom of L4 Andrews’ handout on notability
