The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

It works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body, it acts more slowly than the nervous system but had widespread and powerful effects.

Question 2

Where do hormones come from and how do they work?

Answer 2

Glands in the body (pituitary, thyroid, hypothalamus etc). Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and affect any cell in the body that has a receptor for that particular hormone. Most hormones affect more than one body organ. The pituitary gland is the key gland as it controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands

Question 3

Why do the endocrine system and ANS work parallel?

Answer 3

During a stressful event if a stressor is perceived the hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland and triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS, changing from its normal resting state (parasympathetic) to physiologically aroused (Sympathetic)

Question 4

What is adrenaline?

Answer 4

Stress hormone released from adrenal medulla into your bloodstream. It triggers physiological changes in the body crating the arousal necessary for flight or fight response.

Question 5

How fats is the response of flight or fight?

Answer 5

• Immediate and automatic, as soon as threat is detected. Automatic reaction in the body, explaining the stress, panic as a “sick” feeling

Question 6

What is a parasympathetic action?

Answer 6

Once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state. It works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system acts as a brake reducing bodies activities sometimes called “rest and digest” response