The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

a network of ductless glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream

Question 2

What is the function of the endocrine system?

Answer 2

to regulate the body’s internal physiological processes and maintain a stable supply of hormones in the body to maintain homeostasis

Question 3

What is a hormone and how does it work?

Answer 3

a chemical messenger that travels in the bloodstream to target sites that have receptors for specific hormones

Question 4

What is the hypothalamus?

Answer 4

• region of the brain that receives messages from the body

- connected to the pituitary gland

Question 5

What is the pituitary gland?

Answer 5

• the master gland

- releases hormones that trigger other glands

Question 6

What are the two parts of the pituitary gland and what are examples of hormones that each part produces and secretes?

Answer 6

• anterior pituitary (front)
• releases ACTH to the adrenal cortex
• posterior pituitary (back)
• releases oxytocin that stimulates the uterus in childbirth

Question 7

What are the two parts of the adrenal gland and what are examples of hormones that each part secretes?

Answer 7

• adrenal medulla (inner part)
• adrenaline and noradrenaline
• adrenal cortex (outer part)
• cortisol for stress response