endocrine system

• What is the endocrine system?

  Network of glands producing hormones
• What are hormones?

  Chemical messengers traveling through the bloodstream
• What do glands do in the endocrine system?

  Special organs that produce and release hormones DIRECTLY into the bloodstream
• Name a major gland in the body.

  Pituitary gland
• Where is the hypothalamus located?

  In the brain
• What does the hypothalamus connect?

  Nervous system to the endocrine system
• What functions does the hypothalamus regulate?

  Body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, emotions
• How does the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland?

  By sending signals in response to bodily changes
• What is the pituitary gland often referred to as?

  The master gland
• Where is the pituitary gland located?

  Below the hypothalamus
• What does the pituitary gland release?

  A variety of hormones controlling other glands
• Name a hormone released by the pituitary gland.

  Growth hormone (GH)
• What does the pineal gland produce?

  Melatonin
• What does melatonin regulate?

  Sleep-wake cycles
• Where is the thyroid gland located?

  In the neck
• What hormones does the thyroid gland produce?

  Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)
• What do T4 and T3 regulate?

  Metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature
• What do parathyroid glands release?

  Parathyroid hormones (PTH)
• What do parathyroid hormones regulate?

  Calcium levels in the blood
• Where is the thymus located?

  In the chest
• What hormone does the thymus produce?

  Thymosin
• What is the role of thymosin?

  Involved in immune system development
• What dual functions does the pancreas have?

  Endocrine and digestive functions
• What hormones does the pancreas produce?

  Insulin and glucagon
• What do insulin and glucagon regulate?

  Blood sugar levels
• Where are the adrenal glands located?

  On top of each kidney
• What hormones do adrenal glands produce?

  Cortisol and adrenaline
• What is the role of cortisol?

  Stress response
• What is the role of adrenaline?

  Fight-or-flight response
• What is negative feedback in the endocrine system?


  Helps keep things stable and balanced
• What do gonads produce?

  Sex hormones
• What are the sex hormones produced by gonads?

  Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
• What is the role of androgens?

  Development of secondary sexual characteristics
• What is the placenta?


  Organ that forms during pregnancy
• How does the hypothalamus respond to signals?

  Ensures hormonal response is appropriate
• What does corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulate?

  Pituitary to release ACTH
• What does thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) prompt?

  Pituitary to release TSH
• What does epinephrine relate to?

  Adrenal gland
• What does the posterior pituitary release?

  Oxytocin and ADH
• How are oxytocin and ADH transported?

  Produced by hypothalamus, transported via neurons