Endocrine System

Created by

Libby Kendrick

Cards (21)

Endocrine system
A complex network of glands and hormones
hormones
chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulate bodily functions
what are the 8 hormones in the endocrine system?
ACTH, oxytocin, melatonin, thyroxine, (nor)adrenaline, cortisol, oestrogen, testosterone
7 glands in the endocrine system
hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, ovaries, testes
effect of the hypothalamus
stimulates and controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
effect of ACTH
stimulates release of cortisol during the stress response
oxytocin
responsible for uterus contractions during childbirth
melatonin  
responsible for important biological rhythms
thyroxine
regulates metabolism
adrenaline & noradrenaline
key hormones in the fight of flight response
cortisol
stimulates release of glucose to provide the body with energy whilst suppressing the immune system
oestrogen
regulates the female reproductive system
Testosterone
Responsible for development of male sex characteristics during puberty
hormones released by pituitary gland
ACTH and oxytocin
hormone released by pineal gland
melatonin
hormone released by thyroid gland
thyroxine
hormones released by adrenal gland
adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol
hormone released by ovaries
oestrogen
hormone released by testes
testosterone
2 parts of the pituitary gland
anterior and posterior
How the endocrine system works
Hypothalamus sends a signal to pituitary gland by secreting hormones
Pituitary gland secretes a stimulating hormone into the bloodstream
This hormone stimulates the target glad to release its hormone
as levels of this hormone increase, the hypothalamus stops secreting the hormone that triggers the pituitary gland
pituitary gland stops secreting the stimulating hormone
this results in the stabilisation of the concentration of hormones circulating in the bloodstream