The Endocrine System Flashcards
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers secreted directly into the bloodstream for slower widespread messages.
What are the 6 main glands?
Pituitary, Pineal, Thyroid, Pancreas, Adrenal, and Gonads.
What is the Pituitary gland and where is it located?
A pea shaped organ sometimes called the “Master Gland” because it controls other glands. Located in the brain.
What does the Pituitary gland regulate and what functions does it cause?
Regulates growth and salt/water metabolism. It causes contractions during birth and milk production.
Where is the Pineal gland located?
In the brain, directly above the brainstem.
What does the Pineal gland regulate and what functions does it cause?
Regulates the sleep wake cycle. Causes the secretion of melatonin.
Where is the Thyroid gland located?
Located in the neck.
What does the gland Thyroid regulate and what functions does it cause?
Regulates metabolism and metabolic rate. Controls the secretion of a hormone called thyroxin.
What are embedded in the thyroid gland?
The parathyroids.
Where is the Pancreas located?
Located at the curve between the stomach and small intestines.
What does the Pancreas regulate?
Regulates blood sugar levels and sugar metabolism.
What are the 2 hormones that the Pancreas secretes?
Insulin and Glucose.
What are the Adrenal glands and where are they located?
They are twin structures (glands) that are located just above the kidneys.
What are the 2 layers of the Adrenal gland?
The Adrenal Medulla (Inner layer) and the Adrenal Cortex (Outer layer).
What does the Adrenal gland regulate and what functions does it cause?
It regulates the secretion of Adrenaline and Norepinephrine. It prepares the body for action, respond to stress, and response to being physically threatened (fight/flight).
