Endocrine system

• 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 glands in the endocrine system secrete?

  Hormones
• What are hormones?

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

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

  • Pituitary gland
  • Thyroid gland
  • Adrenal glands
  • Pancreas
  • Testes
  • Ovaries
• What is the pituitary gland often called?

  The master gland
• What does the pituitary gland produce?

  Multiple different hormones
• What is the function of thyroxine?

  Regulates metabolism and growth
• What triggers the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)?

  Low levels of thyroxine detected
• What is the feedback 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 testes produce?

  Testosterone
• What are the main functions of testosterone?

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

  Estrogen
• What is the role of estrogen?

  Influences puberty and menstrual cycle
• How do hormones spread through the body?

  Through the bloodstream
• How do the effects of hormones compare to nerve impulses?

  Hormones spread slowly and last longer