The Endocrine System

• What is the endocrine system?

  A system controlled by hormones
• What is the role of the pituitary gland?

  It releases hormones affecting other glands
• How does the nervous system communicate compared to the endocrine system?

  Nervous system uses impulses; endocrine uses hormones
• What is a key feature of the nervous system?

  It is extremely fast
• What is a key feature of the endocrine system?

  It produces slower, long-lasting effects
• What are the key glands in the endocrine system?

  • Pancreas
  • Ovaries
  • Testes
  • Thyroid gland
  • Adrenal glands
  • Pituitary gland
• What does the pancreas regulate?

  Concentration of glucose in the blood
• What hormones do the ovaries and testes release?

  Hormones involved in puberty and reproduction
• What does the thyroid gland regulate?

  Growth and basal metabolic rate
• What hormone do the adrenal glands release?

  Adrenaline
• When is adrenaline produced?

  In times of fear or stress
• Why is the pituitary gland called the master gland?

  It triggers hormone release from other glands
• What do pituitary hormones do?

  They act on other glands to release hormones
• What is the primary function of hormones in the endocrine system?

  • Regulate various body functions
  • Communicate signals throughout the body
  • Trigger specific responses in target organs
• Where is the pituitary gland located?

  In the brain
• What is the difference in effects between the nervous and endocrine systems?

  Nervous effects are short-lived; endocrine are long-lasting
• What type of system is the endocrine system?

  A chemical signaling system
• What are the main differences between the nervous system and the endocrine system?

  • Nervous system uses electrical impulses; endocrine uses hormones
  • Nervous system effects are fast; endocrine effects are slower
  • Nervous system effects are short-lived; endocrine effects are long-lasting