what is the endocrine system

Question 1

what is the endocrine system

Answer 1

it works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body

it acts much more slower than the nervous system but has very wide spread and powerful effects

Question 2

what do glands secrete

Answer 2

various glands in the body e.g. the thyroid gland produces hormones

Question 3

where are hormones secreted into

Answer 3

the bloodstream and the affect any cell in the body that has a receptor for the particular hormone

most hormones affect cells in several organs/ throughout the entire body, leading to many diverse and powerful responses

Question 4

what are the main glands of the endocrine system

Answer 4

pituitary gland- major gland located in the brain often called the “master gland” because it controls the release of hormones from all the other endocrine glands in the body

thyroid

parathyroid

adrenals

ovaries

pancreas

testes

Question 5

when does the endocrine system and the ANS work together

Answer 5

during stressful events - basically fight or flight

Question 6

how does the endocrine system and the ANS work together during fight or flight

Answer 6

1. When stressor is perceived (friend scares you/ thinking about exam)
   the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the automic nervous system
2. the ANS changes from its normal resting state (parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state
3. stress hormone adrenaline is released from from the adrenal medulla (part of the adrenal) into the bloodstream
   - adrenaline triggers physiological arousal necessary fight or flight
4. all of this happens as soon as the threat is detected - an acute response - and is an automic reaction in the body
   There are many physiological changes associated with the sympathetic response

Question 7

what happens to the ANS once the threat has passed

Answer 7

once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state

the PARASYMPATHETIC branch of the ANS works in opposition to the SYMPATHETIC nervous system its actions are antagonistic to the sympathetic system

the parasympathetic system acts as a “brake” and reduces the activities of the body that were increased by the actions of the sympathetic branch

This is sometimes referred to as the rest and digest response

Question 8

what are the physiological changes associated with the sympathetic response

Answer 8

the physiological changes are:

• increased heart rate
• increased breathing rate
• dilated pupils
• inhibits digestion
• inhibits saliva production