endocrine system

• function of endocrine glands?

  to produce and secrete hormones to regulate cell and organ activity
• explain the endocrine process?

  • the hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland
  • this releases stimulating hormones into the bloodstream
  • the signal reaches target glands that secrete specific hormones
  • hormone increases in bloodstream
  • hypothalamus shuts down
  • pituitary gland shuts down
• how do hormones transmit their message?

  when they reach target sites, receptors on target cells are stimulated which causes a physiological reaction
• explain the structure of the adrenal glands?

  • on top of the kidneys
  • adrenal cortex: outer par that releases hormones essential for life
  • adrenal medulla: inner part that releases hormones that aren’t essential
• role of the pituitary gland?

  controlled by the hypothalamus to produce hormones whose function is to influence the release of other hormones
• what is negative feedback?

  high levels of hormones in endocrine glands can stop the hypothalamus and the gland releasing their hormones
• function of testosterone?

  released from the testes for male sex characteristic development during puberty
• melatonin function?

  released from the pineal gland for biological rhythms (sleep-wake cycle)
• function of oxytocin?

  controlled by the posterior lobe for uterus contractions during childbirth
• function of thyroxine?

  released from thyroid gland to regulate metabolism