The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

A network of glands that secrete hormones through the blood, in order to produce physiological responses

Question 2

What are the functions of the endocrine system?

Answer 2

• Regulates all cell and organ activity (homeostasis) and controls physiological processes
• Releases hormones from glands into bloodstream which bind with receptors

Question 3

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 3

Stimulates and controls the release of hormones from the pituatary gland

Question 4

What hormones does the pituatary gland release? What do they do?

Answer 4

• Anterior lobe releases adrenocortical trophic hormone (ACTH) which stimulates the adrenal cortex and the release of cortisol during the stress response
• Posterior lobe releases oxytocin which is responsible for uterus contractions during childbirth

Question 5

What hormone does the pineal gland release? What does it do?

Answer 5

Melatonin, which is responsible for important biological rhythms (e.g the sleep wake cycle)

Question 6

What hormone does the thyroid gland release? What does it do?

Answer 6

Thyroxine, which regulates metabolism

Question 7

What hormones do the adrenal medulla release? What does it do?

Answer 7

Adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are key to activating the fight or flight response

Question 8

What hormone does the adrenal cortex release? What does it do?

Answer 8

Cortisol, which stimulates the release of glucose to provide the body with energy, while supressing the immune system

Question 9

What hormone do the ovaries release? What does it do?

Answer 9

Oestrogen, which controls the regulation of the female reporductive system (e.g menstrual cycle and pregnancy)

Question 10

What hormone do the testes release? What does it do?

Answer 10

Testosterone, which is responsible for the development of male sex characteristics during puberty, whilst also promoting muscle growth