SB7a-Hormones

• What is the endocrine system?

  A system that allows different parts if our body to communicate, by consisting of glands around the body that secrete hormones until they reach their target organ
• What are hormones?

  Small chemical molecules that are passed into the blood, and then are spread throughout the body in the blood stream
• 1. Glands are organs that release small chemicals called hormones
  2. These chemicals are normally released into the blood stream, allowing them to travel around the body
  3. They can bind to specific cells that have the correct receptors
  4. This will bring change within the cells
• What does the pituitary gland do?


  Produces hormones that tells the body what to do, or tell other glands to release their own hormone
• Where is the pituitary gland located?

  It is attached to the brain, but not apart of it
• Where is the thyroid gland found?

  In the neck
• What hormone does the thyroid gland produce?

  Produces thyroxine that regulates the rate of metabolism
• Where is the adrenal gland located?

  Above the kidneys
• What hormone does the adrenal gland produce?

  Adrenalin, which triggers a fight or flight response
• Where is the organ pancreas found

  Just in front of the kidneys
• What hormone does the pancreas produce?

  Insulin, which regulates the blood glucose concentration and glucagon
• What does the testes produce?

  Testosterone, which is involved with puberty and also produces sperm
• What does the ovaries produce?

  Produces oestrogen and progesterone, which is involved with puberty and the menstrual cycle, and also holds the female gametes, egg cells
• What are the differences between the endocrine system and the nervous system?

  Endocrine system

  • Relies on hormones (that are secreted by glands, and transported by blood)
  • Hormones spread more slow
  • Effects last longer
  • Act more generally (as they are spread around the body)

  Nervous system

  • Relies on electrical impulses (that are transferred along nerve cells)
  • Nerve impulses are fast
  • effects dont last long
  • impulses are sent to one specific area, so it is precise
• What does the pituitary gland secrete?

  Secretes multiple hormones, eg:

  • TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
  • ADH
  • FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
  • LH (luteinising hormone)
• What does the hypothalamus secrete?

  TRH and CRH
• What is the target organ of TRH and CRH

  Pituitary gland
• What is the target organ of TSH

  Thyroid
• What is the target organ of ADH

  Kidney
• What is the target organ of FSH and LH

  Ovaries
• What is the target organ of insulin and glucagon

  Liver and the muscle
• What is the target organ of adrenalin

  Organs like the heart, liver and skin
• What is the target organ of progesterone

  Uterus
• What is the target organ of oestrogen

  Ovaries, uterus and pituitary gland
• What is the target of testosterone

  Male reproductive organs