THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
A network of glands throughout the body.
What does the endocrine system do?
Manufacture and secrete chemical messengers known as hormones.
What other group of systems does the endocrine system work closely with to regulate the physiological processes of the human body?
The nervous systems.
The nervous systems use nerves to transmit information, what does the endocrine system use and to do what?
Blood vessels to deliver hormones to their target sites in the body.
What are endocrine glands?
Special groups of cells within the endocrine system, whose function it is to produce and secrete hormones.
What are hormones?
The body’s chemical messengers.
What do hormones do?
Travel through the bloodstream, influencing many different processes including mood, the stress response and bonding between mother and newborn baby.
What is the pituitary gland?
The ‘Master gland’
What is the pituitary glands primary function?
To influence the release of hormones from other glands.
