the function of the endocrine system

• What is the endocrine system?

  A network of glands that secrete hormones

  
• How does the endocrine system work with the nervous system?

  It controls vital functions alongside the nervous system
• What are chemical messengers in the endocrine system called?

  Hormones
• How are hormones released into the body?

  They are released directly into the bloodstream
• What are the major glands in the endocrine system?

  Pituitary gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, testes
• What is the function of the pituitary gland?

  It regulates the endocrine system as the master gland
• What role do adrenal glands play in the body?

  They facilitate the release of adrenaline
• What hormone do testes produce?

  Testosterone
• What hormones do ovaries produce?

  Oestrogen and progesterone
• How does the endocrine system maintain hormone levels?

  Through feedback mechanisms to ensure stability
• What initiates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland?

  A releasing hormone from the hypothalamus
• What happens when hormone levels rise in the bloodstream?

  The hypothalamus and pituitary reduce hormone secretion
• What is the role of oxytocin?

  Stimulates uterine contractions and bonding
• What does ACTH do?

  Stimulates adrenal glands to produce cortisol
• What is the function of cortisol?

  It has cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions
• What hormones does the adrenal medulla release?

  Adrenaline and noradrenaline
• What is the fight-or-flight response?

  A survival mechanism for stressful situations
• What physiological changes occur during the fight-or-flight response?

  Increased heart rate and rapid breathing
• How can excessive cortisol levels affect health?

  They can lead to Cushing’s syndrome
• What is the role of testosterone in males?

  It develops male characteristics and maintains health
• How does the hypothalamus control testosterone production?

  It instructs the pituitary gland on production levels
• What happens when the fight-or-flight response is triggered unnecessarily?

  It can lead to stress in non-threatening situations
• What are the functions of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla?

  • Adrenal cortex:
  • Produces cortisol (stress hormone)
  • Maintains cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions
  • Adrenal medulla:
  • Releases adrenaline and noradrenaline
  • Prepares body for fight-or-flight response
• What are the hormones produced by the anterior and posterior pituitary glands?

  • Anterior pituitary:
  • Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
  • Luteinising hormone (LH)
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Posterior pituitary:
  • Oxytocin
• What are the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in females?

  • Oestrogen:
  • Regulates menstrual cycle
  • Influences female secondary sexual characteristics
  • Progesterone:
  • Important in post-ovulation phase
  • Prepares uterus for potential pregnancy
• What are the effects of testosterone in males?

  • Development of male characteristics:
  • Growth of facial hair
  • Deepening of voice
  • Growth spurts
  • Role in:
  • Sex drive
  • Sperm production
  • Muscle strength maintenance
• What are the consequences of hormone imbalance?

  • Too much or too little hormone can lead to:
  • Dysfunction of bodily systems
  • Health issues like Cushing’s syndrome
• What is the significance of receptor sites for hormones?

  • Hormones affect only target cells with specific receptors
  • Cells without receptors cannot be influenced by that hormone
• What physiological reactions are associated with the fight-or-flight response?

  • Increased heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Muscle tension
• How does the endocrine system ensure stable hormone concentrations?

  • Feedback mechanisms regulate hormone release:
  • Hypothalamus sends releasing hormones
  • Pituitary gland secretes stimulating hormones
  • Target glands adjust hormone secretion