the endocrine system Flashcards
What is the primary function of the endocrine system?
The endocrine system influences thoughts, behaviors, and actions through the release of hormones into the bloodstream.
How does the endocrine system differ from the nervous system in terms of communication speed?
The nervous system uses electrical signals, which are faster, while the endocrine system uses hormones, which are slower in influencing the body’s activity.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical substances released into the bloodstream by the endocrine glands, influencing targeted tissues.
What is the function of hormones in the body?
Hormones regulate various functions by targeting specific tissues, influencing their activity in response to the body’s needs.
What does the pituitary gland control?
The pituitary gland governs the release of hormones throughout the body.
How does the thyroid gland affect the body’s energy use?
The thyroid controls how the body burns energy, regulating metabolism.
What is the role of the parathyroid gland?
The parathyroid gland maintains calcium levels in the body.
How do the thymus and adrenal glands influence the immune system?
Both glands play a role in governing the immune system, helping the body respond to infections and stress.
What role does the pancreas play in the body?
The pancreas controls digestion by regulating the release of digestive enzymes and maintaining blood sugar levels.
What function do the ovaries serve in women?
The ovaries influence reproduction by regulating the release of eggs and female reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
What is the function of the testes in men?
The testes influence reproduction by producing sperm and male reproductive hormones such as testosterone.
How does the hypothalamus control the endocrine system?
The hypothalamus controls the endocrine system by sending signals to the pituitary gland, which then governs the release of hormones from other endocrine glands.
How might a malfunction in the hypothalamus affect the body’s hormonal balance?
A malfunction in the hypothalamus could disrupt the signals sent to the pituitary gland, causing imbalances in hormone release, which could affect metabolism, immune response, and reproduction.
Compare the way the nervous system and endocrine system respond to potential threats.
The nervous system responds to threats quickly using electrical signals, triggering immediate actions like fight or flight. The endocrine system uses slower hormonal signals, helping the body maintain a longer-term response to stress or threats by regulating bodily functions like energy use and immune response.
Which system, nervous or endocrine, is more crucial in the short term for immediate responses to stress? Justify your answer.
The nervous system is more crucial for immediate responses because its electrical signals trigger fast actions such as muscle movements or quick decision-making. The endocrine system, while important, acts more slowly, helping regulate sustained responses.
