Hormonal Coordination

• The endocrine system is a system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
• The effects of the endocrine system are slower but act for longer than the nervous system.
• The pituitary gland is located in the brain.
• The pancreas monitors and controls blood glucose concentration.
• Insulin and glucagon interact to regulate blood glucose levels.
• The cause of Type 1 diabetes is that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
• The cause of Type 2 diabetes is that the body cells no longer respond to insulin.
• The function of FSH is to cause eggs to mature in the ovaries and to stimulate the ovaries to produce oestrogen.
• The function of LH is to stimulate the release of an egg.
• The function of oestrogen is to cause lining of the uterus to thicken.
• Methods of hormonal contraception:

  • Oral contraceptives.
  • Injection.
  • Implant.
  • Skin patch.
  • IUD.
• Methods of non-hormonal contraception:

  • Barrier methods.
  • Copper IUD.
  • Spermicidal agents.
  • Sterilisation.
  • Abstinence.
• Disadvantages of IVF treatment:

  • Emotionally and physically stressful.
  • Low success rate.
  • Can lead to risky multiple births.
• The function of adrenaline is to increase heart rate and boost delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles to prepare the body for 'fight or flight'.
• The function of thyroxine is to stimulate basal metabolic rate so it is important for growth and development.
• Thyroxine is controlled by negative feedback.
• The endocrine glands that control secondary sexual characteristics are ovaries in females and testes in males.