Week 3: The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the Endocrine System and what is it responsible for?

Answer 1

It is the system of glands that manufacture and secrete hormones into the blood stream which in turn affects other parts of the body

Question 2

Which neurotransmitters act as hormones?

Answer 2

1. Norepinephrine
2. Vasopressin

Question 3

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Answer 3

• Activates other glands in the endocrine system
• responsible for body growth
• rests above the hypothalamus

Question 4

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

Answer 4

• rests in the neck
• regulates the rate at which food is metabolized - transformed into energy by way of thyroxine

Question 5

What is the function of the adrenal gland?

Answer 5

• rests above kidneys
• produces norepinephrine and epinephrine which both activate the sympathetic nervous system
• glands release corticoids which controls the body’s salt balance
• releases small amount of sex hormones

Question 6

What is the function of the pancreas?

Answer 6

• curves around small intestines and stomach
• regulates body’s blood sugar levels by releasing insulin and glucagon
• produces digestive enzymes
• Diabetes = too much insulin production
• Hypoglycemic = too much insulin production

Question 7

What is the function of sex glands?

Answer 7

• activated by pituitary gland which releases sex hormones that makes reproduction possible and is responsible for secondary sex characteristics (e.g. pubic hair)
• androgen - male hormones
• estrogen and progesterone - female hormones