The Function Of The Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
A series of glands which release hormones through the body using the bloodstream.
Label the following:
The endocrine system is ________ from the nervous system, although the two ________ ________ to control the body’s ________ ________.
Separate, work together, vital functions.
What are the endocrine system and nervous system linked by?
The hypothalamus.
What is the hypothalamus?
A small part of the brain that regulates body drives (e.g. hunger and sex).
How effective is the endocrine system compared to the nervous system?
•It is slower than the nervous system.
•It has more widespread and powerful effects than the nervous system.
What are glands?
Organs that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
How do glands work?
- Secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
- Hormones cause changes in the body’s psychological processes or stimulate other glands to produce hormones.
- As hormone levels increase, the hypothalamus stops secreting the releasing hormone.
What are hormones?
Chemicals that circulate in the bloodstream and are carried into target sites.
What are target cells/organs?
The limited number of cells/organs that a specific hormone affects.
There has to be specific ________ for specific ________ for ________ and a ________ reaction to occur.
Receptors, hormones, stimulation, psychological.
What does the pancreas do?
Produces insulin (and glucagon), which regulates blood sugar levels, preventing diabetes.
What do the adrenal glands do?
Produces adrenaline, which prepares the body for rapid activity.
Increases heart rate and blood sugar levels for the muscles & brain.
What do testes do?
Produces testosterone, which causes the changes at puberty and stimulates sperm production.
