Endocrine System

• What does the endocrine system work alongside to regulate cell or organ activity?


  The nervous system
• What is the primary function of the endocrine system?


  To regulate cell or organ activity and control vital physiological processes
• What are the chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system called?

  Hormones
• How do hormones reach their target sites in the body?


  Through blood vessels
• What are the major glands of the endocrine system?

  • Pituitary gland
  • Adrenal glands
  • Reproductive organs (ovaries and testes)
• Why are hormones referred to as chemical messengers?


  Because they carry information from one part of the body to another
• What happens to hormones once they are secreted?


  They are transported in the bloodstream all over the body
• What do hormones bind to in order to exert their effects?


  Specific receptor sites on target cells
• What occurs when enough receptor sites are stimulated by hormones?


  The target cells produce a physiological response
• What are the two main parts of the pituitary gland?


  • Anterior pituitary (front)
  • Posterior pituitary (back)
• Why is the pituitary gland known as the master gland?


  Because it controls and stimulates the release of hormones from other glands
• What role does the hypothalamus play in relation to the pituitary gland?


  It stimulates or controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
• What hormone does the anterior pituitary release in response to stress?


  ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone)
• What does ACTH stimulate the adrenal glands to produce?


  Cortisol
• What hormones does the anterior pituitary produce that are important for reproductive functioning?


  Luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• What do LH and FSH stimulate in females?


  The ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone
• What do LH and FSH stimulate in males?


  The testes to produce testosterone and sperm
• What hormone does the posterior pituitary release that is important during childbirth?

  Oxytocin
• What is the role of oxytocin during childbirth?


  It stimulates contractions of the uterus
• What are the two main parts of the adrenal glands?


  • Adrenal cortex
  • Adrenal medulla
• What is a key distinction between the hormones released by the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla?


  The adrenal cortex hormones are necessary for life, while adrenal medulla hormones are not
• What does the adrenal cortex control in response to long-term stress?


  The release of cortisol
• What hormones does the adrenal medulla release?


  Adrenaline and noradrenaline
• What is the fight or flight response triggered by the adrenal medulla hormones?


  It prepares the body for a stressful situation
• What does cortisol regulate in the body?


  Cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions
• What happens if cortisol levels are low?


  The individual may experience low blood pressure and poor immune function
• What hormone does the adrenal cortex produce that maintains blood volume and pressure?

  Aldosterone
• What role does adrenaline play in the body during stress?


  It increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles and brain
• What does noradrenaline do to blood vessels?


  It constricts them, causing blood pressure to increase
• What are the functions of the ovaries?


  • Production of eggs
  • Production of oestrogen and progesterone
• What does oestrogen control in females?


  The development of female physical features and menstruation
• What does progesterone do in the female reproductive system?


  It helps prepare the uterus for receiving an embryo
• What hormone do the testes produce?


  Testosterone
• How is testosterone production controlled?


  By the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
• What are the effects of testosterone in males?


  It causes the development of male characteristics and plays a role in sex drive and sperm production
• What hormone does the thyroid gland produce?


  Thyroxine
• What functions does thyroxine aid in?


  Heart and digestive functioning, metabolism, brain development, bone health, and muscle control
• What happens to people with low levels of thyroxine?


  They may struggle to put on weight due to a slow metabolism
• What hormone does the pancreas produce?


  Insulin
• What is the role of insulin in the body?


  It maintains normal blood glucose levels by allowing cells to absorb glucose