The Endocrine System --- My Hormones Made Me Do It

Question 1

Endocrine system

Answer 1

Glands whose secretions pass directly into the bloodstream or lymph system.

Question 2

Hormone

Answer 2

A substance secreted into the bloodstream by an endocrine gland or other tissue or organ to regulate processes in distant target organs and tissues.

Question 3

Pituitary gland

Answer 3

The “master gland” whose hormones influence other endocrine glands.

Question 4

Growth hormone

Answer 4

A hormone, secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, that promotes the growth of cells and tissues. It stimulates protein synthesis, bone growth in early life, mobilization of fat stores, and carbohydrate storage.

Question 5

Oxytocin

Answer 5

A hormone, released by the pituitary gland, that plays a broad role in regulating pregnancy, parenthood, sexual activity, social bonding, trust, and even reducing stress reaction.

Question 6

Pineal gland

Answer 6

Gland in the brain that helps regulate body rhythms and sleep cycles.

Question 7

Melatonin

Answer 7

An amine hormone, produced mainly by the pineal gland as a metabolic product of the neurotransmitter serotonin, that helps to regulate seasonal changes in physiology and may also influence puberty. It is implicated in the initiation of sleep and in the regulation of the sleep–wake cycle. Melatonin has been investigated in clinical studies as a hypnotic and for the management of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Although these studies are as yet inconclusive, melatonin is widely available as an over-the-counter medication.

Question 8

Thyroid gland

Answer 8

An adrenal hormone that tends to arouse the body; epinephrine is associated with fear. (Also known as adrenaline.)

Question 9

Norepinephrine

Answer 9

Both a brain neurotransmitter and an adrenal hormone that tends to arouse the body; norepinephrine is associated with anger. (Also known as noradrenaline.)

Question 10

Adrenal glands

Answer 10

Endocrine glands that arouse the body, regulate salt balance, adjust the body to stress, and affect sexual functioning

Question 11

Handedness

Answer 11

The consistent use of one hand rather than the other in performing certain tasks. The preference usually is related to a dominance effect of the motor cortex on the opposite side of the body.

Question 12

Sidedness

Answer 12

A combination of preference for hand, foot, eye, and ear.

Question 13

Dominant hemisphere

Answer 13

Formerly, the hemisphere regarded as having primary control of speech or manual preference (handedness).

Question 14

Lateralization

Answer 14

Differences between the two sides of the body, especially differences in the abilities of the brain hemispheres.