The Endocrine System Flashcards
what is the endocrine system
a network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete hormones into the bloodstream
what is the function of the endocrine system
works closely with the nervous system to regulate the physiological processes in the human body
what is the endocrine system regulated by
a feedback mechanism
how does the system work
the hypothalamus produces a ‘releasing hormone’ which signals the pituitary gland to secrete a ‘stimulating hormone’ which signals the target gland to release its hormone
what are hormones
chemicals that are produced by endocrine glands and are released into the body
how do hormones work
travel to their target site, stimulate receptors causing a physiological reaction and altering the activity of the cell
what are the major glands of the endocrine system
pituitary gland, adrenal gland, reproductive organs
does each gland produce a different hormone
yes
what is the pituitary gland referred to as
the master gland
what does the pituitary gland do
regulates many bodily functions by releasing hormones that influence the release of hormones from other glands
what does the anterior pituitary release
ACTH
what does the hormone ACTH do
stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and LH and FSH to stimulate the ovaries to produce oestrogen and the testes to produce testosterone
what does the posterior pituitary release
oxytocin
what does the hormone oxytocin do
stimulates contractions during childbirth and plays a role in infant-mother bonding
where are the adrenal glands located
above the kidneys
