Endocrine System & Hormones

• What system allows different parts of the body to communicate with each other?

  The endocrine system
• How does the endocrine system differ from the nervous system?


  The endocrine system uses hormones, while the nervous system uses electrical impulses
• What do all glands in the endocrine system have in common?


  They all secrete hormones
• What are hormones?


  Small chemical molecules that are passed into the blood
• What is the role of hormone receptors in the endocrine system?


  They allow specific tissues to respond to hormones
• What are the main glands in the endocrine system?

  • Pituitary gland
  • Thyroid gland
  • Adrenal glands
  • Pancreas
  • Testes
  • Ovaries
• What is the pituitary gland often referred to as?


  The master gland
• What does the pituitary gland produce?


  Multiple different hormones
• What is the function of thyroxine produced by the thyroid gland?


  It regulates the rate of metabolism and plays a role in growth and development
• What triggers the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)?


  Low levels of thyroxine detected by the pituitary gland
• What is the process called when hormone levels are regulated back to normal?

  Negative feedback
• What hormone do the adrenal glands produce?


  Adrenaline
• When is adrenaline typically released?


  During the fight-or-flight response
• What is the role of insulin produced by the pancreas?


  To regulate blood glucose concentrations
• What hormone do the testes produce?


  Testosterone
• What are the main functions of testosterone?


  Controls puberty and produces male gametes (sperm)
• What hormone do the ovaries produce?


  Estrogen
• What are the roles of estrogen in the female body?


  Influences puberty and the menstrual cycle
• How does the endocrine system's method of signaling differ from that of the nervous system?


  • Endocrine system:
  • Uses hormones
  • Spreads slowly
  • Effects last longer
  • Nervous system:
  • Uses electrical impulses
  • Sends signals quickly
  • Effects are short-lived
• Why are nerve impulses described as precise?


  Because they are sent to specific areas, like particular muscles