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 is the feedback 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 triggers the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)?

  Low levels of thyroxine detected
• What are the main functions of testosterone?

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

  Estrogen
• What is the role of estrogen in females?

  Influences puberty and menstrual cycle
• What do the ovaries hold?

  Female gametes (egg cells)
• How does the endocrine system's signaling differ from the nervous system's signaling?

  • Endocrine: Hormones spread slowly, effects last longer
  • Nervous: Electrical impulses are fast, effects are brief
• Why are nerve impulses described as precise?

  They target specific areas in the body
• What is the typical duration of nerve impulse effects?

  Less than a second
• How do hormones interact with cells in the body?

  They act as signals to trigger changes
• What is the primary role of the endocrine system?

  To facilitate communication between body parts