Module: The Endocrine System

Question 1

what is the endocrine system and function?

Answer 1

it is a collection of glands that produce hormones into the bloodstream to offer responses to a negative feedback

Question 2

What are glands?

Answer 2

cells that produce and secrete a specific chemical substance for use at other parts of the body. (hormones)

Question 3

the two types of glands

Answer 3

1. endocrine glands
2. exocrine glands

Question 4

what are exocrine glands?

Answer 4

glands that deliver their secretion through ducts to their target organs

Question 5

2 examples of exocrine glands

Answer 5

1. sweat glands
2. salivary glands

Question 6

what are endocrine glands?

Answer 6

glands that produce/release hormones right into the bloodstream because they don’t have special ducts to carry them away

Question 7

list the 6 major endocrine glands and where they are found

Answer 7

1. hypothalamus - brain
2. pituitary gland - brain
3. thyroid - neck
4. adrenal gland- top of the kidneys
5. pancreas - near the stomach
6. gonads - found near the anus

Question 8

what are the functions of the pituitary glands?

Answer 8

also known as the “master gland”, the pituitary glands:
- secrete hormones (some act on other endocrine glands and control their secretions)

Question 9

list the three hormones secreted by the pituitary glands and their function.

Answer 9

1. GROWTH HORMONE- stimulates growth in all parts of the body
2. ANTI-DIURETIC HORMONE (ADH)- promotes water absorption from kidney tubules
3. THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE- stimulates the secretion of hormones

Question 10

what are the 3 functions of the the thyroid glands?

Answer 10

• it secretes the hormone thyroxine when stimulated by the thyroid.
• regulates metabolism
• regulates growth and development

Question 11

what is the short-term effect of the thyroid glands?

Answer 11

regulates basal metabolic rate

Question 12

what is the long-term effect of thyroid glands?

Answer 12

regulates growth

Question 13

what is hypothyroidism?

Answer 13

the lack of thyroxine

Question 14

what is hyperthyroidism?

Answer 14

excess thyroxine

Question 15

what are adrenal glands and their main function?

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

how does adrenaline overall affect the body?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

why is adrenaline secreted?

Answer 17

it is secreted in response to stressful situations, and is under nervous control

Question 18

what is the function of the pancreas as it relates to it having both endocrine and exocrine functions?

Answer 18

• EXOCRINE: secretes pancreatic juice via pancreatic ducts
• ENDOCRINE: secretes insulin and glucagon to control blood glucose levels

Question 19

what are the gonads and their functions?

Answer 19

they are the reproductive glands that:
-control the development of the primary and secondary sexual characteristics in our bodies

Question 20

state the two hormones produced by the gonads and their functions

Answer 20

1. testosterone (for males): causes deepening of the voices and growth of facial hair
2. oestrogen (for females): controls the development of breasts and broadening of pelvis

Question 21

what are hormones?

Answer 21

• 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

Question 22

state the 2 main functions of hormones

Answer 22

1. controls and coordinates bodily activities such as growth and development
2. assists the nervous system in coordinating physiological activities (especially homeostatic control)