Chapter 11

• What are hormones?


  Chemical messengers that travel in the blood to activate target cells
• Where are hormones produced?

  In and secreted by endocrine glands
• What is the role of the endocrine system?

  To use hormones to react to changes in the environment or inside the body
• What is the function of the pituitary gland?

  Produces hormones that regulate body conditions
• Why is the pituitary gland referred to as the master gland?

  Because its hormones act on other glands
• What hormone does the pancreas produce?

  Insulin
• What is the role of insulin?

  To regulate the blood glucose level
• What hormone does the thyroid produce?

  Thyroxine
• What does thyroxine regulate?


  Metabolism, heart rate, and temperature
• What do the adrenal glands produce?

  Adrenaline
• What is the function of adrenaline?


  To prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response
• What hormone do the ovaries produce?

  Oestrogen
• What is the role of oestrogen?


  To regulate the menstrual cycle
• What hormone do the testes produce?

  Testosterone
• What is the function of testosterone?


  To control puberty and sperm production
• How do nerves differ from hormones in terms of action?

  Nerves have fast action, act for a short time, and act on a very precise area
• How do hormones differ from nerves in terms of action?

  Hormones have slower action, act for a long time, and act in a more general way
• Why must the level of glucose in the blood be kept steady?

  To maintain proper body function
• How does the pancreas monitor blood glucose levels?


  By detecting changes in the blood glucose level
• What happens after a meal containing carbohydrates regarding blood glucose levels?

  Glucose levels rise, which is detected by the pancreas
• What is the response of the pancreas after detecting high glucose levels?

  The pancreas produces insulin, which is secreted into the blood
• What effect does insulin have on body cells?

  It causes body cells to take up more glucose from the blood
• What happens to glucose in the liver and muscles after insulin is secreted?

  It is converted into glycogen
• What is the result of insulin action on blood glucose levels?

  Blood glucose levels fall
• What happens when blood glucose levels decrease?

  The pancreas detects the fall and produces glucagon
• What is the role of glucagon in blood glucose regulation?

  It raises blood glucose levels when they are too low
• What is Type 1 diabetes?

  A condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin
• What is the primary treatment for people with Type 1 diabetes?

  Insulin therapy
• Why do people with Type 1 diabetes need several injections of insulin throughout the day?

  To ensure glucose is removed from the blood quickly after food digestion
• How does insulin therapy help manage blood glucose levels in Type 1 diabetes?

  It prevents blood glucose levels from getting too high
• What factors determine the amount of insulin injected by a person with Type 1 diabetes?

  The person's diet and level of physical activity
• What type of carbohydrates should people with Type 1 diabetes limit in their diet?

  Foods rich in simple carbohydrates
• What dietary strategy is advised for people with Type 1 diabetes regarding starchy carbohydrates?

  To spread their intake throughout the day and choose varieties that are absorbed more slowly
• How does regular exercise benefit individuals with Type 1 diabetes?

  It helps lower blood glucose levels by increasing metabolism
• What is the relationship between exercise and blood glucose levels in people with Type 1 diabetes?

  Increased metabolism during exercise removes more glucose from the blood
• Why is regular monitoring of blood glucose levels crucial for individuals with Type 1 diabetes?

  To ensure that blood glucose levels remain within a safe range
• What role does glucagon play in blood glucose regulation?

  It raises blood glucose levels when they are too low
• What is Type 2 diabetes?

  A condition where a person becomes resistant to their own insulin
• How can being overweight affect the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes?

  Being overweight can increase your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes
• What dietary changes can help control Type 2 diabetes?

  Eating a carbohydrate-controlled diet to avoid sudden rises in glucose