The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

One of the body’s major information systems that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the blood stream. These hormones are carried towards target organs in the body

Question 2

What is a gland?

Answer 2

An organ in the body that syntheses (makes) substances such as hormones

Question 3

What are hormones?

Answer 3

• Chemical substances that circulate in the bloodstream and only affect target organs
• Produced in large quantities but disappear quickly
• Effects are very powerful

Question 4

What is the role of the pituitary gland and what hormone does it release to do this?

Answer 4

• Master gland because the hormones released by it control and stimulate the release of hormones from other glands
• Lots

Question 5

What is the role of the pineal gland and what hormone does it release to do this?

Answer 5

• Responsible for important biological rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle
• Melatonin

Question 6

What is the role of the thyroid gland and what hormone does it release to do with?

Answer 6

• Responsible for regulating metabolism
• Thyroxin

Question 7

What is the role of the testes and what hormone do they release to do this?

Answer 7

• Responsible for the development of male sex characteristics during puberty while also promoting muscle growth
• Testosterone

Question 8

What is the role of the ovaries and what hormone do they release to do this?

Answer 8

• Controls the regulation of the female reproductive system, including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
• Oestrogen

Question 9

What is the role of the adrenal gland and what hormone does it release to do with?

Answer 9

• Responsible for fight or flight response - stimulates the heart rate, contracts blood vessels, and dilates air passages among other impacts
• Adrenaline

Question 10

What is the role of the pancreas and what hormones does it release to do this?

Answer 10

• Allows the body to use glucose from carbohydrates in food for energy or to store glucose for future use. It helps keep blood sugar levels stable
• Insulin

Question 11

What is the fight or flight response?

Answer 11

• Body gets ready to fight or flee
• Reflexive - occurs without conscious awareness

Question 12

How does the body stimulate the fight or flight response?

Answer 12

• Hypothalamus recognises threat
• ANS activates sympathetic nervous system which tell pituitary gland to release ACTH
• This sends message to adrenal gland
• Adrenaline released
• Travels to target organs which have adrenaline receptors
• Causes physical changes to occur
• Overall, body us allowed to act
• Once threat gone, parasympathetic nervous system brings body back to normal

Question 13

What does adrenaline do?

Answer 13

• Strong effect on cells of cardiovascular system
• Stimulate heart rate, contract blood vessels etc