The Endocrine System Flashcards
What are hormones
Chemical substances released into the bloodstream
Travel to target sites
What do hormones do
Act on target cells which respond to particular hormones to alter their function to release other hormones.
Cells that do not have the right receptor will not respond
What is the nervous system
Consists of nerve cells and uses nerves to transmit info
What is the endocrine system
Consists of ductless glands and uses blood vessels to transmit info
What are the endocrine glands
Pituitary
Thyroid
Adrenal
Pancreas
Gonads
What are glands
They produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream affecting activity of cells and organs in the body by travelling to target sites
What is the function of the endocrine system
Produces and secretes a chemical system of communication via the bloodstream
Regulates bodies internal physiological processes
Ensures a stable concentration of hormones in the bloodstream
