the endocrine system Flashcards
what are endocrine glands?
they are ductless glands which secretes hormones via bloodstream
what are some endocrine glands?
- Pancreas
- Pituitary gland
- Adrenal glands
- Hypothalamus
- Ovaries and testes
How is the pancreas involved in the endocrine system?
within the pancreas are the Islets of Langerhans which consists of the alpha cells and beta cells.
Alpha cells secrete glucagon and beta cells secrete insulin
What are the effects of insulin?
- increases that rate of the intake of glucose from blood into cells
- increase the rate at which glucose is used for cellular respiration
- increases that rate of conversion of glucose to glycogen
What are the effects of glucagon?
- breakdown of glycogen into glucose
- use of fatty acids as main fuel instead of glucose during cellular respiration
- production of glucose from other sources like fats
what is diabetes mellitus?
it is the metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to regulate blood glucose level
what are the types of diabetes?
type 1: early-onset diabetes, Islets of Langerhans unable to produce sufficient insulin
type 2: late-onset diabetes, target cells do not respond well to insulin
signs of diabetes
- persistently high blood glucose concentration’
- presence of glucose in urine (kidneys unable to fully reabsorb glucose in the body)
- slow healing of wounds
treatment of diabetes
type 1: insulin injections
type 2: regular exercise, control dietary food intake (esp sugary foods and carbohydrates)
what are adrenal glands?
they are glands situated on top of the kidneys and they secrete the hormone adrenaline (inner part of the adrenal gland) when stimulated by the nervous system
what are the effects of adrenaline?
- increase blood glucose levels by increasing breakdown of glycogen into glucose in liver which diffuses into bloodstream
- increases heart rate which increase blood flow and transport o2 and glucose faster
- increases metabolic rate, increases cellualr respiration for more energy
- increases breathing rate, increase o2 supply to cells, remove co2
- dilation of pupils, allow more light to enter eyes, enhance vision
what does pituitary gland affect?
growth, sexual development, metabolism and reproductive system