The endocrine system Flashcards
what is the main function of the endocrine system?
it is a network of glands throughout the body that works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions through the manufacture and secrete chemical messengers known as hormones. it is slower than the nervous system but has widespread and long term effects.
what are glands?
glands are organs in the body that produce hormones.
what is the main endocrine gland and what does it control?
it is the pituitary gland located in the brain often known as the master gland as it controls the release of variety of different hormones in response to change in body conditions from all other endocrine glands. for example, the pituitary gland in women stimulates ovaries to produce and release eggs and make oestrogen and in men stimulates the testes to make sperm and testosterone.
what are hormones?
they are secreted in the bloodstream and affect any cell in the body that has a receptor for a particular hormone. for example adrenaline produced by the adrenal gland affects vital organs such as the heart which prepares body for rapid activity and increases heart rate and level of sugar.
what works together during flight or fight?
the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system work together in parallel during a stressful event.
what are the 6 steps of the flight or fight?
- when a stressor is perceived, the hypothamulus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS.
- the ANS changes from the relaxed and normal parasympathetic state to the aroused sympathetic state.
- the stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream and this creates the physiological state known as fight or flight
- adrenaline triggers changes in body and in target organs such as increase heart beat puts us into a fight or flight state.
- when the threat has passed our body returns to parasympathetic state.
- the parasympathetic state acts as a ‘brake’ to the sympathetic state.
