6.2.1.1 Major Endocrine Glands

• What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland?

  • The hypothalamus produces hormones that regulate the pituitary gland
  • The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" as it controls many other endocrine glands
• Where is the thyroid gland located?

  In the neck, in front of the trachea
• What are the main functions of the thyroid gland?

  • Produces hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism
  • Plays a key role in growth and development
  • Helps maintain body temperature
  • Influences heart rate and blood pressure
• What is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland?

  Thyroxine
• What shape is the thyroid gland?

  Butterfly-shaped
• What hormones are released by the posterior pituitary gland and their effects?

  • Hormones: Vasopressin, oxytocin
  • Effects: Water balance, social bonding
• What hormones are released by the anterior pituitary gland and their effects?

  • Hormones: Growth hormone, prolactin
  • Effects: Growth, milk production
• What is the name of the feedback loop shown in the image?

  Negative feedback
• What is the function of the pancreas in blood sugar regulation?

  • Maintains blood sugar levels
  • Releases insulin when blood sugar is high
  • Releases glucagon when blood sugar is low
  • Creates a negative feedback loop for balance
• What are endocrine glands?

  Special glands that make hormones
• What is the name of the structure connecting the two lobes of the thyroid gland?

  Isthmus
• How does the pancreas create a negative feedback loop in blood sugar regulation?

  By releasing insulin and glucagon based on sugar levels
• How do the endocrine glands in males and females differ?

  • Males have testes instead of ovaries
  • Females have a placenta during pregnancy
• What is the function of the adrenal medulla?

  Produces adrenaline for fight-or-flight responses
• What role does glucagon play when blood sugar is low?

  It stimulates the liver to release stored glucose
• What role does the thyroid gland play in body temperature regulation?

  It controls body temperature
• How do hormones from endocrine glands function in the body?

  They travel through blood to send messages
• If a patient has an issue with their thyroid gland, which endocrine gland would the doctor likely examine?

  Thyroid and parathyroid glands
• What is the significance of the adrenal glands in stress response?

  • Release cortisol during stress
  • Regulate body's response to stress
  • Mediate fight-or-flight responses through adrenaline
• What is the name of the gland located in the brain?

  Pineal gland
• What is the name of the endocrine system shown in the image?

  Endocrine system
• What happens when blood sugar levels are high?

  Insulin is released to help absorb glucose
• What functions do hormones from endocrine glands control?

  Growth and mood among other functions
• How does the thyroid gland influence digestive speed?

  It affects digestive speed
• What are the two main parts of the adrenal glands?

  Outer cortex and inner medulla
• How does thyroxine affect metabolism?

  It regulates heart rate and blood pressure
• If the hypothalamus is damaged, how would this affect the anterior pituitary gland?

  The anterior pituitary would not receive the necessary signals from the hypothalamus
• What is the effect of oxytocin released by the posterior pituitary gland?

  Social bonding
• What is the role of the adrenal cortex in this system?

  • The adrenal cortex receives signals from the anterior pituitary gland
  • This stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete hormones like cortisol
  • The adrenal cortex hormones then act on target tissues in the body
• Where is the pituitary gland located?

  Below the hypothalamus in the brain
• What are the main components of the endocrine system?

  • Hypothalamus
  • Pituitary gland
  • Thyroid and parathyroid glands
  • Thymus
  • Pancreas
  • Adrenal glands
  • Ovary (in females)
  • Testicle (in males)
  • Placenta (during pregnancy)
• What aspect of growth does the thyroid gland influence?

  Growth and development
• How does insulin affect glucose uptake by tissue cells?

  Insulin stimulates glucose uptake from the blood by tissue cells
• What hormone does the adrenal cortex release during stress?

  Cortisol
• How does the negative feedback loop in this system work?

  • High levels of adrenal cortex hormones signal back to the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary
  • This inhibits further release of hormones from the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary
  • This helps maintain homeostasis and prevent over-production of adrenal hormones
• What are the main functions of the thyroid gland in metabolism?

  • Regulates heart rate and blood pressure
  • Controls body temperature
  • Affects digestive speed
  • Influences growth and development
• What are the two lobes of the thyroid gland called?

  Right lobe and Left lobe
• What hormones does the pancreas use to regulate blood sugar?

  Insulin and glucagon
• What is the pituitary gland often referred to as?

  The master gland
• Which two brain structures are involved in the cortisol release process?

  Hypothalamus and pituitary gland