Module: The Endocrine System Flashcards
what is the endocrine system and function?
it is a collection of glands that produce hormones into the bloodstream to offer responses to a negative feedback
What are glands?
cells that produce and secrete a specific chemical substance for use at other parts of the body. (hormones)
the two types of glands
- endocrine glands
- exocrine glands
what are exocrine glands?
glands that deliver their secretion through ducts to their target organs
2 examples of exocrine glands
- sweat glands
- salivary glands
what are endocrine glands?
glands that produce/release hormones right into the bloodstream because they don’t have special ducts to carry them away
list the 6 major endocrine glands and where they are found
- hypothalamus - brain
- pituitary gland - brain
- thyroid - neck
- adrenal gland- top of the kidneys
- pancreas - near the stomach
- gonads - found near the anus
what are the functions of the pituitary glands?
also known as the “master gland”, the pituitary glands:
- secrete hormones (some act on other endocrine glands and control their secretions)
list the three hormones secreted by the pituitary glands and their function.
- GROWTH HORMONE- stimulates growth in all parts of the body
- ANTI-DIURETIC HORMONE (ADH)- promotes water absorption from kidney tubules
- THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE- stimulates the secretion of hormones
what are the 3 functions of the the thyroid glands?
- it secretes the hormone thyroxine when stimulated by the thyroid.
- regulates metabolism
- regulates growth and development
what is the short-term effect of the thyroid glands?
regulates basal metabolic rate
what is the long-term effect of thyroid glands?
regulates growth
what is hypothyroidism?
the lack of thyroxine
what is hyperthyroidism?
excess thyroxine
what are adrenal glands and their main function?
these glands provide hormones that provide a response to stress or excitement. they produce large quantities of the hormone adrenaline when stimulated by the nerve impulses sent by the autonomic nervous system.
how does adrenaline overall affect the body?
it allows the body to respond quickly to sudden demands for energy. the various effects generally reduce blood flow to other parts of the body so that more blood containing oxygen and nutrients can be supplied to the muscles for respiration
why is adrenaline secreted?
it is secreted in response to stressful situations, and is under nervous control
what is the function of the pancreas as it relates to it having both endocrine and exocrine functions?
- EXOCRINE: secretes pancreatic juice via pancreatic ducts
- ENDOCRINE: secretes insulin and glucagon to control blood glucose levels
what are the gonads and their functions?
they are the reproductive glands that:
-control the development of the primary and secondary sexual characteristics in our bodies
state the two hormones produced by the gonads and their functions
- testosterone (for males): causes deepening of the voices and growth of facial hair
- oestrogen (for females): controls the development of breasts and broadening of pelvis
what are hormones?
- chemical messages that are transported to one or more specific target organs and coordinate different functions in the body.
- produced in minute amounts and secreted directly into the blood
- destroyed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys
state the 2 main functions of hormones
- controls and coordinates bodily activities such as growth and development
- assists the nervous system in coordinating physiological activities (especially homeostatic control)
