The Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is a network of glands which releases chemical messages called hormones throughout the body. Hormones send messages to organs of the body by travelling through the bloodstream.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemicals that circulate in the bloodstream and are carried to target sites throughout the body that excite or stimulate a specific part of the body.
What are glands?
Organs that produce and release hormones.
Examples of key glands
- Pitituary Gland
- Testes
- Ovaries
- Pineal Glands
- Adrenal Glands
What is ACTH?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
What is the function of the Pituitary Gland?
The Pituitary Gland (The “master” gland) releases the Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It activates and controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands throughout all of the body.
What controls the Pituitary Gland?
The Hypothalamus
What is the function of the Pineal gland?
The Pineal Gland produces melatonin, which helps indicate that you need to sleep.
What is the function of the Adrenal Gland?
The Adrenal gland releases adrenaline and cortisol, produces adrenaline for fight or flight.
How does the speed of the endocrine system differ from the Nervous System?
Hormones work more slowly than nerve impulses. However, their effects last longer.
What is stress?
Stress is a physical and psychological response when people feel that they cannot cope with a stressor in their environment. This will trigger a stress response.
