The endocrine system Flashcards
What does the endocrine system do?
Sends information as chemical signals
What does the endocrine system involve?
Glands
Hormones
What are glands?
Group of cells that are specialised to secrete a useful substance
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers
When are glands stimulated?
By a change in concentration of a specific substance or electrical impulses
Where do hormones go once they are released?
They diffuse directly into the blood and are taken around the body by circulatory system to target cells
What do hormones trigger?
a response in the target cells
What is the order from stimulus to response?
Stimulus Receptors Hormone Effectors Response
What is the endocrine system responsible for?
Regulating a large number of bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, sleep and reproduction
What does the hypothalamus do?
Produces hormones that control the pituitary gland
What does the pituitary gland do?
Known as the “master gland”
Releases hormones to control other glands in the endocrine system
What does the pineal gland do?
Responsible for the production of melatonin which plays a role in controlling sleep patterns
What does the adrenal gland do?
Produces hormones such as adrenaline, responsible for the fight or flight response
What does the pancreas do?
Releases the hormones insulin and glucagon which regulate blood sugar level
Which one, the endocrine system or the nervous system, works slower? Why is this beneficial?
endocrine system
Widespread effects and can remain in the body for a while
