The Endocrine System Flashcards
Describe the Human Endocrine System
*Uses chemical signals called hormones. These are released in the blood stream to send messages around the body
*Chemicals are produced in special structures known as endocrine glands that respond to signals.
*Only act on their target cells
Describe the Thyroid Gland
*located in the neck, below larynx
*produces hormone thyroxine
*thyroxine controls body metabolism
Describe the Parathyroid Glands
*located in rear surface of thyroid glands
*secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH)
*PTH controls calcium & phosphate levels in blood
Describe the Thymus
*located in chest, above heart.
*produces the hormone, thymosin.
*hormone influences the maturation of T cells.
Describe the Adrenal Glands
*located above kidneys.
*produce hormones adrenaline, cortisol & aldosterone.
*adrenaline helps prepare body for threatening situations.
*aldosterone acts on the kidney to reduce amount of sodium & increase amount of potassium.
Describe the Pancreas
*located below stomach.
*produces hormone insulin & glucagon.
*insulin reduces amount of glucose in blood
*glucagon increases blood sugar levels.
Describe the Gonads (Testes & Ovaries)
*Testes produce androgens.
*Ovaries produce oestrogen.
*The testes & ovaries stimulate development of male or female sex characteristics.
Describe the Hypothalamus & Pituitary Gland
*Hypothalamus located at base of brain & regulates basic functions of body.
*Pituitary gland located under the Hypothalamus & contains two lobes that function separately from one another (posterior & anterior pituitary gland).
Draw a diagram of a stimulus response: high blood sugar
*refer to diagram booklet
Describe the anterior & posterior pituitary gland
*Anterior pituitary gland connected to hypothalamus by blood vessels. Produces hormones based on signals that come from hypothalamus.
*Posterior pituitary gland connected to hypothalamus by nerve fibres. Does not make hormones.
