The endocrine system

• What system does the endocrine system work alongside?

  Works alongside the nervous system (hypothalamus)
• What do hormones do and how do they move around the body?

  • they are secreted into the bloodstream
  • They affect any cell that has a receptor for that hormone that changes a physiological / behavioural response
• What is the master gland?

  • pituitary gland
  • Controls the releases of hormones in all the other glands
• Hypothalamus (not a gland)

  • doesn't release hormones
  • Stimulates + controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
• Pituitary gland

  • ATCH released (in the anterior lobe)
  • Oxytocin released (in the posterior lobe)
• What does ATCH do?

  Stimulates adrenal cortex and release of cortisol during the stress response
• What does oxytocin do?

  Responsible for uterus contractions during childbirth
• What does the pineal gland release?

  Melatonin
• What does melatonin do?

  Responsible for important biological rhythms including the sleep-wake cycle
• What does the adrenal gland release?

  • Adrenal medulla -> adrenaline and noradrenaline
  • Adrenal cortex -> cortisol
• What does adrenaline / noradrenaline do?

  They are the key hormones in the fight or flight response
• What does cortisol do?

  Stimulates the release of glucose to provide the body with energy while suppressing the immune system
• What do the ovaries release?

  Oestrogen
• What does oestrogen do?

  Controls the regulation of the female reproductive system, including menstrual cycle and pregnancy
• What hormone do the testes release?

  Testosterone
• What does testosterone do?

  Responsible for the development of male sex characteristics during puberty while also promoting muscle growth