Structure and Function Flashcards
What is the main function of the endocrine system?
maintaining homeostasis by regulating the production of chemicals that affect most functions of the body
What are endocrine glands?
they are ductless glands, unlike exocrine glands that secrete substances into ducts
What glands are located in the brain?
pineal, hypothalamus, pituitary
What glands are located in the throat?
thyroid, parathyroid
What gland is located above the heart?
thymus
What gland is located above the kidneys?
adrenal
What gland is located under the stomach?
pancreas
What glands are located in the lower abdomen/groin?
ovaries, testes
How do glands work?
glands secrete hormones into the blood stream to target tissues
Why does the endocrine system work?
endocrine conditions are due to either hypo (too little) or hyper (too much) secretions of substances (hormones)
What is the function of the hypothalamus gland?
part of the nervous system, releases hormones that regulate pituitary hormones, hormones either have a releasing or inhibiting factor
What is the function of the pineal gland?
releases melatonin, a hormone believed to affect sleep and gonad functioning
Where is the pineal gland located in the brain?
superior and posterior to the pituitary gland
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
is the body’s master gland because it controls all other glands
Where is the pituitary gland located in the brain?
located at the base of the brain in an area called the sella turcica
What is the function of the thyroid gland?
secretions of thyroid hormones control metabolism and blood calcium concentrations
What connects the two thyroid lobes together?
the right and left lobe located on either side of the trachea are connected by the isthmus
What hormones does the thyroid secrete?
thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), calcitonin
What is the function of the calcitonin hormone?
functions to help lower blood calcium levels
What is the function of the parathyroid gland?
regulates phosphate and raises blood calcium levels via parathyroid hormone
What is the function of the thymus gland?
hormones secreted stimulate the production of T and B cells
How many adrenal glands are there?
2, they are a pair with each one situated on top of a kidney
What is the outer portion of the adrenal glands called?
adrenal cortex
What is the inner portion of the adrenal glands called?
adrenal medulla
What is the function of the adrenal glands?
regulate electrolytes, produces cortisol which is an anti-inflammatory hormone
What does the inner portion of the adrenal gland do?
adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines (epinephrine-fight or flight and norepinephrine) in response to stress
What is the function of the pancreas?
maintains proper blood glucose levels, has both exocrine and endocrine functions
What serves the pancreas’ endocrine functions?
the islets of Langerhans, it produces two types of cells called alpha and beta
What does the pancreas do if blood sugar is high?
insulin is released by beta cells which stimulate glucose to be sent to the body’s cells, converts unused glucose to glycogen to lower blood sugar
What does the pancreas do if blood sugar is low?
glucagon is released by alpha cells, stimulates stored glycogen to be transformed into glucose to raise blood sugar
What is insulin?
promotes movement of glucose into certain cells, stimulates formation of glycogen from glucose
What does the artery do in response to glucagon?
blood glucose drops/rises towards normal
What is glucagon?
stimulates cells to break down glycogen into glucose , stimulates cells to convert non-carbohydrates into glucose
Where are the ovaries located in the lower abdomen?
female pelvic region, one attached to the top of each fallopian tube
What is the function of the ovaries?
produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone
Where are the testes located in the lower abdomen?
in the scrotum, a sac outside the body
What is the function of the testes?
produce spermatozoa which fertilize the female ova, produce the male sex hormone testosterone
