The Endocrine System

Question 1

What does the endocrine system do

Answer 1

It works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body

Question 2

Difference between nervous system and endocrine system

Answer 2

The main difference is that while nervous system transmits information via nerves, the endocrine system uses blood vessels to deliver hormones to their target sites in the body

Question 3

Main function of endocrine system

Answer 3

Maintain homeostasis

Question 4

What are hormones

Answer 4

Chemicals that circulate in the blood stream and are carried to target sites throughout the body

Question 5

What are target cells

Answer 5

Target cells are the limited number of cells the given hormones affect

Question 6

Process of hormones causing changes

Answer 6

• signal is sent from hypothalamus to putuitary gland (mater gland)
• this causes the pituitary gland to secrete a ‘stimulating hormone’ into the blood stream
• this then signals the target gland to secrete its hormone
• these hormones cause changes in physiological processes in the body or stimulate other glands to produce other hormones

Question 7

When the levels of the hormones increase

Answer 7

As the levels of hormone increase in the bloodstream the hypothalamus stops secreting the releasing hormone and the pituitary gland shuts down the secretion of the stimulating hormone

Question 8

Function of the pituitary gland

Answer 8

Called “master gland”. Some of the hormones released are important for regulating the endocrine system. Also secretes luteinisinghormone and follicle stimulating hormone which stimulates ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone. They also secrete LH and FSH which stimulates testes to produce testosterone and sperm

Question 9

Function of the adrenal gland

Answer 9

An important part of flight or flight response as it facilitates the release of adrenaline

Question 10

Function of the testes

Answer 10

Facilitate the release of testosterone

Question 11

Function of the ovaries

Answer 11

Facilitate the release of oestrogen and progesterone

Question 12

Function of the thyroid

Answer 12

Regulates body’s metabolic rate and protein sysnthesis production. Produces thyroxin which increases heart rate and metabolic rates

Question 13

Function of the thymus gland

Answer 13

Part of immune system and functioning’s it produces several hormones e,g thymosin

Question 14

Function of the thymus gland

Answer 14

Part of immune system and functioning’s it produces several hormones e,g thyroxin

Question 15

Function of pancreas gland

Answer 15

Secretes insulin and glucagon, which help regulate blood sugar levels by secreting insulin and glucagon

Question 16

Function of the pineal gland

Answer 16

Produces melatonin which may help regulate the wake sleep cycle