the endocrine system Flashcards
what is the endocrine system
a collection of glands that regulate bodily processes through chemical transmission
name the glands involved in the endocrine system and their function
hypothalamus- maintaining homeostasis eg temperature regulation
pituitary gland- controlling a number of bodily processes ‘master gland’ sends signals to the rest of the glands
thyroid- metabolism
adrenal- fight or flight
pancreas- blood sugar
testes- reproductive regulation
ovaries- mensteral cycle regulation
how is transmission achieved in endocrine system
through chemical signalling and hormone stimulation in the blood stream
describe the process of fight or flight
amydala activated (registers information related to stress)
sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus
hypothalamus activates the sympathamedulluar pathway which activates the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system
adrenal medulla secretes adreneline and noradreneline
stimilates physiological changes associated with fight or flight
when stressful stimulus eliminated the parasympathetic system kicks in and stimulates release of ach hormone to slow breathing rate and heart etc
physiological changes associated with fight or flight
- increased heart and therefore blood rate
- pupil dilation
- inhibits digestion
