The 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 all 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 bind specific hormones for signaling
• 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 produced by the thyroid gland?

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

  Low levels of thyroxine detected
• What is the process called when thyroxine levels are regulated?

  Negative feedback
• What hormone do the adrenal glands produce?

  Adrenaline
• When is adrenaline typically released?

  During the fight-or-flight response
• What is the role of insulin produced by the pancreas?

  Regulates blood glucose concentrations
• What hormone do the testes produce?

  Testosterone
• What are the main functions of testosterone?

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

  Estrogen
• What are the main roles 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
• What is a key characteristic of nerve impulses?

  They are sent to specific areas
• How is the nervous system often described?

  As being precise