Endocrine Systems and Hormones

• What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

  To allow body parts to communicate
• How does the endocrine system differ from the nervous system?

  It uses hormones instead of electrical impulses
• What do all glands in the endocrine system have in common?

  They secrete hormones
• What are hormones?

  Small chemical molecules passed into the blood
• What is the role of hormone receptors in tissues?

  They allow hormones to trigger changes
• What are the main glands in the endocrine system?

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

  It produces hormones that control other glands
• What hormone does the thyroid gland produce?

  Thyroxine
• What does thyroxine regulate?

  The rate of metabolism and growth
• What is the function of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)?

  It stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroxine
• What is the process called when thyroxine levels are regulated?

  Negative feedback
• What do adrenal glands produce during the fight-or-flight response?

  Adrenaline
• What effect does adrenaline have on the body?

  Increases heart rate and blood flow
• What hormone does the pancreas produce?

  Insulin
• What is the role of insulin?

  Regulates blood glucose concentrations
• What hormone do the testes produce?

  Testosterone
• What are the functions of testosterone?

  Controls puberty and produces sperm
• What hormone do the ovaries produce?

  Estrogen
• What is the role of estrogen?

  Influences puberty and menstrual cycle
• How does the endocrine system's communication differ from the nervous system's communication?

  • Endocrine: uses hormones, slower, longer-lasting effects
  • Nervous: uses electrical impulses, faster, shorter effects
• Why are nerve impulses described as precise?

  They target specific areas in the body
• What is the effect duration of hormones compared to nerve impulses?

  Hormones last longer than nerve impulses
• What is the significance of hormones spreading throughout the body?

  They can interact with many different cells
• How quickly do nerve impulses typically act?

  Often less than a second