The Endocrine System Flashcards
What are hormones?
-chemical molecules released directly into the blood
-they are carried in the blood to other parts of the body but only affect particular cells in target organs
-they tend to have long lasting effects
What is the purpose of hormones?
they control things in organs and cells that need constant adjustment
How are hormones produced?
-they are produced and secreted by various glands called endocrine glands.
-These glands make up your endocrine system
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
-it produces hormones that regulate body conditions
-it is sometimes called the ‘master gland’ as these hormones act on other glands directing them to release hormones that bring about change
what is the function of the thyroid gland?
it produces thyroxine which is involved in regulating things like metabolism rate, heart rate and temperature
what is the function of the ovaries (female only gland)?
it produces oestrogen which is involved in the menstrual cycle
what is the function of the adrenal gland?
it produces adrenaline which is used to prepare the body for a ‘flight or fight’ response
what is the function of the pancreas gland?
it produces insulin which is used to regulate the blood glucose level
what is the function of the testes (male only gland)
it produces testosterone which controls puberty and sperm production in males
what are the differences between nerves and hormones?
-nervous responses result in a really quick response and act for a short time on a very precise area
-hormonal responses result in slower responses that last a long time e.g. fight or flight responses which make you feel a bit wobbly afterwards. They also act in a more general way and not on a precise area
