The Endocrine system

Question 1

what is the role of the endocrine system?

Answer 1

the endocrine system regulates, coordinates & controls:
- growth + development
-male and female development
- apetite
- how body uses energy (insulin)
- many other body functions

Question 2

3 areas that the endocrine system regulates

Answer 2

• mood
• growth and development
  -metabolism
  -reproduction

Question 3

What is an endocrine gland? What does it secrete?

Answer 3

an endocrine gland is a gland that secretes HORMONES into the bloodstream for transport around the body. (glands are same in male and feamle apart from testes +ovaries)
- They secreate HORMONES

Question 4

What is a hormone? How does it travel in the body?

Answer 4

a hormone are chemical messengers that are secreted(released) from glands into the blood and affect cells in another part of the body.
- they travel through the bloodstream

Question 5

how do hormones “know” which cells are their target cells?

Answer 5

• hormones only work on certain cells - target cells
• the target cells have special RECEPTORS that “recognise” the hormones and allow them to influence that cell.
  ( hormones is like key and recpetor is like lock)

Question 6

what is a target cell? how does it respond to hormones?

Answer 6

a cell that has a specific receptor.

when hormones reach their target cell the hormone binds to an appropriate recpetor on the target cell.

Question 7

what controls the release of hormones? give examples of different stimulli.

Answer 7

EXTERNAL STIMULI - via nerves from the sensory organs in the nervours system
INTERNAL STIMULI - via nerves and other hormones from inside the body

EXAMPLES
internal - hungry(decrease blood glucose) , eat chocolate (energy)

external - loud noise (flinch), a dog runs towards you growling (run away)

Question 8

Why is the pituitary gland known as “master gland”?

Answer 8

it signals other glands to produce their hormones when needed.

the pituitary gland recieves signals from the HYPOTHALAMUS and responds by sending out the apropriate hormone to other endocrine glands

Question 9

Thyroid Gland

Answer 9

regulates metabolism + energy balance.

hormones released:
- Thyroxine (regulates body energy usage)

people who dont produce enouhg of this hormones get HYPOTHYROIDISM

Question 10

HYPERthyrodism

Answer 10

TOO MUCH THYROXINE

• increased apetite
• anxiety
  -insomnia
• diarrhea

Question 11

HYPOthyroidism

Answer 11

• weight gain
• decreased apetite
• constipation
• fatigue