Paper 2: Topic 5 Homeostasis & response - Hormonal coordination in humans (LV) Flashcards
Describe the endocrine system (2)
- Glands which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
- Which travel in the plasma to their target organs
Define the term hormone (3)
- A chemical messenger molecule
- that is produced and secreted by an endocrine gland and
- travels via the bloodstream to its target organ where it causes as response
Define the term endocrine gland (2)
An organ that produces a hormone which it secretes directly into the bloodstream
Define the term target organ
An organ made of cells who have receptors on their cell membranes that are complementary to specific hormones
State 6 differences between the nervous system and endocrine system
- Nervous system uses nerve impulse, endocrine system uses hormones
- Nervous system causes a quick response, endocrine system causes a slower response
- Effect of the nervous system is short-lived, effect of the endocrine system is longer-lasting
- Nervous system uses neurones, endocrine system involves glands and hormones
- Nervous system uses an electrical signal, endocrine system uses a chemical messenger
- Nervous system acts on a very precise area, endocrine system acts in a more general way
Name the master gland and exaplain why it is called this
Pituitary gland
Reason: It produces hormones which act on other glands to make them produce different hormones
Name 4 hormones produced and secreted by the pituitary gland
- Anti-diuretic hormone
- FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone)
- Luteinising hormone (LH)
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Why is the pituitary gland called the ‘master gland’
It produces several different hormones which act on other glands to stimulate other hormones to be released and cause different effects in the body
Describe the position of the pituitary gland
Specialised region of the brain
Describe the position of the pancreas
Part of the digestive system, located above the small intestine but below the stomach
Describe the position of the thyroid gland
Located in the neck region
Describe the position of the adrenal glands
Located just above the kidneys (one adrenal gland per kidney)
Describe the position of the ovaries
Part of the reproductive system, located in the pelvic region
Describe the position of the testes
Part the reproductive system, located in the scrotum
Describe the function/role of the pituitary gland
- Produces and secretes several different hormones into the bloodstream
- e.g. TSH, LH, FSH and ADH
Describe the function/role of the pancreas
Produces and secretes insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream
Describe the function/role of the thyroid gland
- Produces and secretes thyroxine into the bloodstream
- To regulate the heart rate, core body temperature and metabolic rate
Describe the function/role of the adrenal glands
- Produces and secretes adrenaline into the bloodstream
- To increases the heart rate for ‘flight, fright and fight’
Describe the function/role of the ovaries
- Produces and secretes oestrogen into the bloodstream
- To control puberty and the menstrual cycle
Describe the function/role of the testes (3)
- Produces and secretes testosterone into the bloodstream
- To control puberty
- To control sperm production
Name the two hormones involved in regulating blood glucose levels
Insulin and glucagon
What is the difference between glucagon and glycogen?
- Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas when blood glucose levels are low
- Glycogen is a complex, insoluble carbohydrate that is used to store energy in skeletal muscles and the liver
Describe what happens to excess glucose absorbed into the bloodstream
- The glucose is absorbed into the cells of the skeletal muscles and liver
- And it’s then converted to glycogen for storage
- This reduces the blood glucose levels
Name the organ that monitors and controls the blood glucose levels
Pancreas
















