The endocrine system Flashcards
The endocrine system is a control system with 3 main functions. What are they?
Maintenance of homeostasis
To help the body react properly to stress
Regulation of growth and development including sexual development and reproduction
How is the system organised?
Endocrine glands
Hormones
What are endocrine glands?
Tissues and organs that secrete hormones
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers released into the blood stream
Where do hormones travel?
Travel to all parts of the body, but only effective in specific target cells
What do hormones work together to control?
Feedback mechanisms
Name the endocrine organs/glands
Hypothalamus Pituitary Pineal Thymus Thyroid Parathyroid Adrenal Pancreas Gonads
How many hormones does the hypothalamus produces and how many regulate the anterior pituitary?
9
7
What are the two hormones that are released into the posterior pituitary?
Oxytocin and antidiuretic
What is also known as the master gland as it controls the majority of other endocrine glands?
Pituitary
Where is the pituitary located and what are the two lobes?
Below the hypothalamus in Sella turcica of sphenoid
Anterior Adenohypophysis
Posterior Neurohypophysis
What are the pituitary hormones?
Thyroid Melanocyte Prolactin Growth hormone Gonadotropins Adrenocorticotrophic
What does the pineal gland release?
Melatonin (at night)
When is peak secretion of melatonin?
1-5yr olds
75% lower by puberty
When is melatonin oncreaed and decreased?
Increase- SAD + PMS
Decrease- by phototherapy
Where is the thymus located?
In mediastinum superior to the heart