The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

The endocrine system is the main chemical messenger system of the body, where hormones are
secreted into the bloodstream from glands, and then are transported towards target cells in the
blood, with complementary receptors

Question 2

What is the master gland in the body?

Answer 2

The pituitary gland.

Question 3

Why is the pituitary gland referred to as the master gland?

Answer 3

The pituitary gland is considered to be the ‘master’ gland because it controls the release of hormones from all other glands in the body

Question 4

What does the thyroid gland release and what effect does this hormone have on the body?

Answer 4

The thyroid gland releases the hormone thyroxine, which increases heart rate and therefore increases the rate of growth.

Question 5

What does the adrenal gland release and what effect does this have on the body?

Answer 5

The adrenal gland releases adrenaline which creates the physiological arousal preceding
the fight or flight response, through increasing the activity within the sympathetic branch of the
nervous system.