The Endocrine System Flashcards
Hormone
A chemical messenger
(produced by an endocrine gland)
Endocrine Gland
A gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream
Exocrine Gland
A gland that secretes its product directly into a duct (E.g. liver testes, ovaries)
Hypothalamus
- Part of the brain that controls basic functions (hunger thirst and body temperature)
- Releases hormones that control the pituitary gland.
- Provides the link between the nervous and endocrine systems.
Pituitary Gland
- A small, pea-sized gland
- Located at base of the brain below hypothalamus
- Releases essential hormones
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Controls the release of thyroxine from the thyroid gland
Luteinising Hormone
controls ovulation and testosterone production in males
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Controls the production of sperm in the testes and eggs in the ovaries
Growth Hormone
Stimulates growth of the body by causing every tissue in the body to increase in size
Anti-Diuretic Hormone
Controls Osmoregulation in the kidneys
Prolactin
Stimulates the formation of milk in the mammary glands
Oxytocin
Stimulates contractions of the uterus during childbirth
Parathyroid Glands
Produce parathormone which increases calcium levels
Islets of Langerhans
Produce insulin which stimulates body cells to take in glc
(located in pancreas)
Thyroid Gland
Controls rate of Metabolism
