endocrine system

• 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 relies on hormones, while the nervous system relies on electrical impulses
• What are the main functions of the endocrine system?

  • Communication between body parts
  • Regulation of metabolism
  • Control of growth and development
  • Regulation of blood glucose levels
  • Influence on puberty and reproductive functions
• What do glands in the endocrine system secrete?

  Hormones
• What are hormones?

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

  They are specific to hormones and allow them to trigger changes inside cells
• What is the pituitary gland often referred to as?

  Master gland
• What does the pituitary gland produce?

  Multiple different hormones
• What is the function of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)?

  It stimulates the thyroid to produce more thyroxine
• What is the role of thyroxine?

  It regulates the rate of metabolism and plays a role in growth and development
• What is the function of adrenaline produced by the adrenal glands?

  It prepares the body for the fight-or-flight response
• What hormone does the pancreas produce?

  Insulin
• What is the role of insulin?

  It helps regulate blood glucose concentrations
• What hormones do the testes produce?

  Testosterone
• What is the main role of estrogen produced by the ovaries?

  It influences puberty and the menstrual cycle
• What are the key differences between the endocrine system and the nervous system?

  • Endocrine system uses hormones; nervous system uses electrical impulses
  • Hormones spread slowly; nerve impulses are fast
  • Hormonal effects last longer; nerve impulse effects are brief
  • Hormones act generally; nerve impulses are precise
• Why are the effects of hormones considered to last longer than those of nerve impulses?

  Because hormones spread slowly and remain in the bloodstream longer
• How does the endocrine system communicate changes in the body?

  By secreting hormones that act as signals
• What is the primary function of the adrenal glands?

  To produce adrenaline
• What happens when the pituitary gland detects low levels of thyroxine?

  It releases TSH to stimulate the thyroid
• How does the endocrine system's method of signaling differ from that of the nervous system?

  The endocrine system uses hormones that spread throughout the body, while the nervous system uses precise electrical impulses