Lesson 7: Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system composed of?

Answer 1

• The endocrine system is composed of glands which secrete chemicals
  called hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Question 2

What happens after a hormone is secreted from a gland?

Answer 2

• The blood carries the hormone to a target organ, where is produces an effect.

Question 3

What is the difference between an “effect” in the endocrine system to an “effect/ response” in the nervous system?

Answer 3

• The effects are slower but have a longer- lasting effect.

Question 4

Why is the pituitary gland known as “the master gland?”

Answer 4

• It secretes several hormones (that are targetted at specific “target organs”) into the blood in response to body conditions.
• ALSO, these hormones act on other glands to stimulate other hormones to be released to bring about effects.

Question 5

What hormones does the pancreas release? What are these hormones responsible for?

Answer 5

• Glucagon and insulin
• Responsible for controlling blood glucose concentration.

Question 6

What are the hormones secreted by the ovaries and testes responsible for?

Answer 6

• The hormones are involved in puberty and reproduction.

Question 7

What is the hormone secreted by the thyroid gland responsible for?

Answer 7

• Growth
• Regulating body’s metabolic rate (ie. how quick body’s chemical reactions are taking place.)