The endocrine system Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
Network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete chemical messengers know as hormones.
What are endocrine glands?
Special groups of cells within the endocrine system, whose function is to produce and secrete hormones.
What are the major three glands of the endocrine system?
Pituitary gland, adrenal glands, reproductive glands.
What are hormones?
The body’s chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to influence many physiological processes.
What is the pituitary gland and what is it controlled by?
‘Master gland’, whose primary function is to influence the release of hormones from other glands. Controlled by hypothalamus in the brain.
What is the pituitary gland divided into?
Anterior (front) pituitary and posterior (back) pituitary.
Give an example of a hormone released by the anterior pituitary and its function.
ACTH in response to stress. Stimulates adrenal glands to release cortisol.
Give an example of a hormone released by the posterior pituitary and its function.
Oxytocin. Stimulates contraction of uterus during childbirth and important for mother-infant bonding.
Where are the two adrenal glands?
Sit on top of the kidneys.
What are the two parts of each adrenal gland?
Outer part - adrenal cortex.
Inner region - adrenal medulla.
What is the main distinction between the hormones produced between the adrenal cortex and medulla?
Adrenal cortex hormones necessary for life, medulla not.
Give an example of a hormone released by the adrenal cortex and its function.
Cortisol. Regulates various bodily functions including cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions. Released as a stress response.
Give an example of two hormones released by the adrenal medulla and their functions.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline. Physiologically prepare body for fight or flight.
