Endocrine system

• What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

  To communicate chemically throughout the body
• How do hormones send messages to organs in the body?

  By travelling in the blood stream affecting target cells
• What are the key glands of the endocrine system and their functions?

  • Testes: produce testosterone
  • Ovaries: produce oestrogen
  • Adrenal: produces adrenaline (important in fight or flight)
• Why is the pituitary gland referred to as "the master gland"?

  It controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands
• What are the two parts of the pituitary gland and their functions?

  • Anterior pituitary: releases ACTH in response to stress
  • Posterior pituitary: releases oxytocin which stimulates uterine contractions in childbirth
• What does ACTH stimulate in the body?

  The adrenal gland to produce cortisol
• What regulates the pituitary gland?

  The hypothalamus
• Where are the adrenal glands located?

  On top of the kidneys
• Where is the pituitary gland located?

  Just below the hypothalamus
• What are the two parts of the adrenal glands and their functions?

  • Adrenal cortex: produces cortisol, regulating cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions
  • Adrenal medulla: produces adrenaline and noradrenaline, affecting heart rate and blood pressure
• What is the role of cortisol in the body?

  It regulates important bodily functions like cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions
• What happens when cortisol levels are low?

  It leads to low blood pressure, poor immune function, and an inability to deal with stress
• What effects does adrenaline have on the body?

  Increases heart rate, blood flow to muscles and brain, and helps convert glycogen to glucose
• What does noradrenaline do in the body?

  Constricts blood vessels, increasing blood pressure
• What hormone do the ovaries produce and what is its effect?

  Progesterone, which heightens sensitivity to social cues
• What hormone do the testes produce and what are its effects?

  Testosterone, which causes development of male characteristics and affects sex drive
• What is the stress response and its components?

  • Physical and psychological response to stressors
  • Involves both the endocrine and nervous systems
  • Adaptive response aiding survival
• What activates the sympathetic nervous system during stress?

  The autonomic nervous system
• What happens to the body during stress?

  • Blood is directed away from skin, kidneys, and gut
  • Blood is directed towards vital functions like heart and muscles
• What restores the body to resting levels after stress subsides?

  The parasympathetic nervous system
• What are the effects of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems on various organs?

  • Stomach: Inhibits digestion / Restores digestion
  • Salivary glands: Inhibits salivation / Stimulates salivation
  • Heart: Beats faster / Rate returns to normal
  • Muscles: Contract / Relax
  • Eyes: Pupils dilate / Pupils constrict
  • Lungs: Breathing is faster / Slows back to normal rate
• How is the stress response triggered?

  By the amygdala detecting a threat and signaling the hypothalamus
• What is acute stress and how is it managed?

  • Immediate fight or flight response
  • Managed by the sympathetic adrenal medullary (SAM) system
  • Involves hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal medulla
• What happens in the SAM system when a threat is detected?

  The hypothalamus triggers the pituitary gland, activating the sympathetic nervous system
• What does the adrenal medulla produce in response to stress?

  Adrenaline
• What happens when the stressor subsides?

  The parasympathetic nervous system restores the body to normal resting levels