endocrine system

• adrenal gland 


  • adrenal medulla - neurones of SNS travel to medulla, so that when it is activated, it releases adrenaline into the bloodstream
  • adrenal cortex
• adrenaline 


  • boosts supply of oxygen and glucose to muscles and brain
  • suppresses non emergency bodily processes such as digestion
• endocrine


  hypothalamus- sense organ

  pituitary gland- master gland

  thyroid- affects metabolism

  parathyroid

  adrenal glands (medulla)- fight or flight

  pancreas- regulates blood sugar

  ovaries

  testes
• endocrine system


  • networks of glands, secrete chemical messengers known as hormones
  • endocrine and nervous system work closely together to regulate the physiological processes of human body
  • uses blood vessels to deliver hormones to target sites in body
• endocrine system


  uses bloodstream (chemical messengers)
• hypothalamus


  • sense organ
  • controls homeostasis
  • links nervous system and endocrine system
• pituitary gland


  • master gland
  • releases FSH, growth hormones
  • produces hormones that stimulate other glands to produce hormones
• ovaries


  • female reproductive system
  • produce eggs
  • produce hormones- oestrogen and progesterone (important in post-ovulation cycle)
  • associated with heightened sensitivity to social cues that indicate presence of social opportunity (recruiting allies) or threat (from outsiders), would be significant in case of pregnancy
• testes


  • male reproductive glands
  • produces testosterone- causes development of male characteristics (growth of facial hair, deepening the voice, growth spurt) that occur during puberty
  • controlled by hypothalamus and pituitary gland

  hypothalamus $>$ pituitary gland $>$ testes

  • play role in sex drive, sperm production and maintenance of muscle strength- associated with overall health and well-being in men
• outline the functions of endocrine system (6 marks)

  2 marks- Hormones are chemical messengers, produced in the endocrine glands. They travel in the bloodstream and work on target organ(s) to cause changes in the body.

  2 marks- organ and example

  2 marks- organ and example
• organ and example (for endocrine system 6 marker)

  1. The pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream. This regulates blood sugar levels – preventing it becoming too high or too low, allowing the body to use sugar.

  2. The thyroid releases thyroxine, which controls metabolism – being all internal reactions. It influences growth and insures proper levels are vital for health.