Topic 5b The Endocrine system Flashcards
What are hormones
Hormones are chemical messages which travel in the blood to activate target cells
How are hormones carried around the body
Hormones are carried around the body in blood plasma and are used to regulate bodily processes
True or False Hormones affect all organs
False Hormones only affect particular organs known as target organs
Where are hormones produced
Hormones are produced and secreted in Glands known as endocrine glands.
Collectively these glands make up the Endocrine system
Name the glands which make up the Endocrine system and their particular role within the system
Pituitary Gland - produces many different hormones that regulate body conditions. Known as the MASTER GLAND because it produces hormones that act on other glands directing them what to do and what hormones to release
Pancreas - produces insulin used to regulate blood glucose levels
Thyroid - produces thyroxine which is involved in regulating rate of metabolism, heart rate and temperature
Adrenal Glands - produce adrenaline used to prepare the body for a fight or flight response
The Ovaries - produce oestrogen (involved in the menstrual cycle)
The testes - Produces testosterone which controls puberty and sperm production
Make a comparison between Nerves and Hormones
Nerves:
- Fast Action
- Act for a short time
- Acts on a very precise area
Hormones:
- Slower action
- Act for a long time
- Act in a more generalised way
What kind of response is adrenaline hormonal or nervous
Adrenaline is an hormonal response
How does the pancreas regulate blood glucose levels
- High levels of glucose in the blood are detected by the pancreas and cause it to release insulin
- Insulin travels around the body in the blood and binds to receptors on various cells causing them to take in glucose from the bloodstream and convert it to glycogen
- This bring the blood glucose levels back down
Explain what type 1 diabetes is
Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas produces little to no insulin resulting in a harmful rise in a persons blood glucose levels
Give three ways in which type 1 diabetes can be controlled
- Insulin Therapy - This involves regular injections of insulin throughout the day usually around mealtimes. Insulin injections ensure glucose is removed from the blood quickly and stop the blood glucose levels from getting to high.
- Dietary adjustments - These can include limiting the intake of foods rich in simple carbohydrates which cause glucose levels to rise rapidly.
- Regular exercise - This helps to reduce blood glucose levels due to the increased metabolism of cells which remove more glucose from the blood
What is type 2 diabetes and how can it be controlled
In type 2 diabetes the person’s body cells no longer respond to insulin produced by the pancreas. It is more common in older people. It can be controlled by a carbohydrate controlled diet and an exercise regime.
What is Filtration in regards to the kidneys
- Filtration is the process by which the kidneys make urine by extracting waste products out of the blood.
- Ions, Glucose and some water are absorbed back into the blood (SELECTIVE RE-ABSORPTION)
What is Urea
Urea is a waste product from the breakdown of proteins
Name three substances which should be present in the urine of a healthy person
Urea, Water, Ions
Give two ways in which water can be lost from the body
- Sweating = Water can be lost from the skin when the we sweat
- Breathing = Water is lost from the lungs when we breath out during the process of breathing
- Urinating = Water in the body is balanced by the amount we consume and the amount removed by the kidneys in the urine
