The Endocrine System: Another way to communicate

Question 1

What does the endocrine system consist of?

Answer 1

The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete chemicals into the
bloodstream that help control bodily functioning.

Question 2

What are hormones?

Answer 2

Hormones are the chemical substances released by
the endocrine glands.

Question 3

List the different endocrine glands. 13

Answer 3

1. Pineal gland
2. Hypothalamus
3. Pituitary gland
4. Parathyroid glands
5. Thyroid gland
6. Thymus
7. Liver
8. Adrenal gland
9. Pancreas
10. Kidney
11. Ovary (in female)
12. Placenta (in female during pregnancy)
13. Testis (in male

Question 4

Much of the endocrine system is controlled by what?

Answer 4

Much of the endocrine system is controlled by the nervous system through the hypothalamus.

Question 5

What is the ‘master gland’ of the endocrine system?

Answer 5

The pituitary gland releases a great variety of hormones that fan out within the body, stimulating actions in the other endocrine glands.

Question 6

What does oxytocin do?

Answer 6

oxytocin—a hormone that is released by the pituitary gland and regulates reproductive behaviors.

Oxytocin has long been known to trigger contractions when a woman gives birth and to stimulate the mammary glands to release milk for breastfeeding, oxytocin fosters adultadult pair bonding in many mammals.

After inhaling an oxytocin spray, males who were in committed relationships kept more distance between themselves and anattractive female than did those who inhaled the placebo spray.

Another line of research suggests that oxytocin fosters trust in humans.