The Function of the Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the Endocrine System?

Answer 1

A network of glands across the body that secrete chemical messages called hormones. It works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body, especially maintaining homeostasis.

Question 2

What is the difference between the nervous system and endocrine system?

Answer 2

• The nervous system transmits information via nerves and the responses are seemingly instantaneous
• The endocrine system uses blood vessels to deliver hormones to their target sites in the body and the responses are slightly delayed and long lasting

Question 3

What are hormones?

Answer 3

Chemicals that circulate in the bloodstream and are carried to target sites throughout the body

Question 4

Why is timing and levels of hormones being released critical for normal functioning?

Answer 4

• As too much or too little at the wrong time can result in dysfunction of bodily systems
• For example, too high levels of cortisol can lead to Cushing’s syndrome, characterised by high blood pressure and depressions.

Question 5

Explain how Glands and Hormones work

Answer 5

• A signal is sent from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland (the master gland) in the form of a ‘releasing hormone’
• This causes the pituitary gland to secrete a ‘stimulating hormone’ into the bloodstream. This then signals the target gland to secrete its hormone. These hormones either directly cause changes in physiological processes in the body or stimulate other glands to produce other hormones
• As levels of this hormone increase in the bloodstream the hypothalamus stops secreting the releasing hormone and the pituitary gland shuts down the secretion of the stimulating hormone.

Question 6

What is the function of the Pituitary Gland?

Answer 6

• Often called the “master gland”
• The anterior Pituitary gland secretes Luteinising hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which stimulate ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone and stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and sperm
• The posterior pituitary releases oxytocin, which stimulates the uterus to contract during labour and also plays a role in bonding

Question 7

What is the function of the Adrenal gland?

Answer 7

An important part of the fight or flight response as it is facilitates the release of adrenaline.

Question 8

What is the function of the testes?

Answer 8

They facilitate the release of testosterone

Question 9

What is the function of the Ovaries?

Answer 9

They facilitate the release of Oestrogen and Progesterone

Question 10

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

Answer 10

Regulates body’s metabolic rate and protein synthesis produces thyroxin, which increases heart rate and metabolic rates

Question 11

What is the function of the Thymus gland?

Answer 11

Part of immune system and functioning. It produces several hormones such as thymosin

Question 12

What is the Pancreas gland function?

Answer 12

Secretes insulin and glucagon which helps regulate blood sugar levels

Question 13

What is the Pineal gland function?

Answer 13

The Pineal gland produces melatonin, which may help regulate the wake-sleep cycle