The Endocrine System Flashcards
Exocrine Glands
glands with ducts that allow the cells to secrete their products into those ducts
Exocrine Gland
the glands that do not have a duct system and release their secretions or hormones directly into the bloodstream
Endocrine System
- a group of endocrine glands that regulate body processes by secreting hormones.
- act on nearby tissues or are carried in the bloodstream to act on specific target organs
Hypothalamus
a part of the brain located just below the corpus callosum and it controls the functions of the pituitary glands (hypophysis)
Organs involved in the endocrine system
- hypothalamus
- pituitary
- Thyroid
- Adrenal Gland
- Pancreas
- Ovaries
- Testes
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
-Hypothalamus and Posterior pituitary
Promote re-absorption of water (the renal tubules of the kidney)
Growth Hormone - AP
Promotes growth
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) - AP
Stimulates thyroxin secretion
Follicle stimulating hormone - AP
Stimulates follicle development (female ovary) and germinal epithelium (male testes)
Luteinizing hormone - AP
Stimulates ovulation (female ovaries and testosterone production
Prolactin (anterior pituitary - AP)
Stimulates milk production (female mammary glands)
Thyroxine
Increases basal metabolic rate, breathing and heart rate
Insulin
-Pancreas
Decreases blood glucose levels (liver and muscle cells)
Glucagon
-Pancreas
Increases blood glucose levels (liver cells)
Glycogen
converted into glucose when there is a decrease in blood glucose levels
Adrenaline (Adrenal Glands)
Prepares the body for action
Aldosterone
Increases re-absorption of sodium and chloride ions and facilitates potassium transport (kidneys)
Oestrogen
Causes secondary sexual characteristics, development of sex organs, prepares uterus for implatation
-NB!! Inhibits secretion of FSH
Progesterone
Thickens endometrium of uterus to maintain pregnancy and supresses rerlease of FSH and LH
Testosterone
Allows the developments of secondary sexual characteristics, development of sex organs and maturation of sperm
Thyroxin Levels
If increase in thyroxin levels: pituitary secretes less TSH
If decrease in thyroxin levels: pituitary secretes more TSH
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness. It is characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia).
Type 1
- occurs when the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans(liver cells) are damaged and they do not produce insulin
- this is caused by the bodies immune system attatcking the beta cells
Type 2
-body cells do not respond to insulin. It is caused by various factors including obesity, age and inactivity.
Symptoms
-frequent urination
-weight loss
-infections
impaired vision
-wounds that are slow to heal
Treatment
- insulin medication
- careful monitoring of blood sugar levels
- change in lifestyle
- maintaining a healthy body mass
