Topic B5- The Endocrine System

• What is another way to send information around the body apart from nerves?

  Using hormones
• What are hormones?

  Chemical messengers sent in the blood
• Where are hormones released into?

  Directly into the blood
• How do hormones affect the body?

  They affect particular cells in particular organs
• What are endocrine glands?

  Glands that produce and secrete hormones
• What is the role of hormones in the body?

  They have relatively long-lasting effects
• What are some examples of glands in the endocrine system?

  • Pituitary gland
  • Ovaries
  • Testes
  • Thyroid
  • Adrenal gland
  • Pancreas
• Why is the pituitary gland called the "master gland"?

  It regulates other glands' hormone release
• What hormone do ovaries produce?

  Oestrogen
• What is the role of oestrogen?

  Involved in the menstrual cycle
• What hormone do testes produce?

  Testosterone
• What does testosterone control?

  Puberty and sperm production in males
• What hormone does the thyroid produce?

  Thyroxine
• What is the role of thyroxine?

  Regulates heart rate and metabolism
• What hormone does the adrenal gland produce?

  Adrenaline
• What is the function of adrenaline?

  Prepares the body for fight or flight
• What hormone does the pancreas produce?

  Insulin
• What is the role of insulin?

  Regulates blood glucose level
• What are the differences between hormones and nerves?

  Nerves:

  • Very fast action
  • Short duration
  • Precise area of effect

  
  

  Hormones:

  • Slower action
  • Long-lasting effects
  • General area of effect
• How can you determine if a response is nervous or hormonal?

  If it's quick, it's probably nervous
• What indicates a hormonal response?

  Long-lasting effects after a quick response