Endocrine system+ fight or flight

• What is the endocrine system? 


  A network of glands across the body that secrete chemical messages called hormones
• Explain how the endocrine system works

  When hormones are secreted as a result of stimulated glands they diffuse into the blood stream and are taken around the body via the circulatory system. As this occurs the hormones continue to diffuse around the body but only bind to specific receptors which leads to a response in effectors
• What are the 4 main examples of the endocrine system?

  The hypothalamus, the adrenal gland, the pancreas and the pituitary gland
• What does the pancreas do?


  A type of endocrine and exocrine gland that releases the hormone insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar
• What does the hypothalamus do?


  Produces the hormones that come from the pituitary gland and can stop the release if hormones from pituitary gland if they are too high
• What does the pituitary gland do?


  Known as the master gland that controls the release of other hormones from other glands such as ACTH
• What does the adrenal gland do?


  Produces hormones such as adrenaline and neo-adrenaline in response to the fight or flight system
• Explain the fight or flight process?


  During an initial shock response the hypothalamus triggers the SNS from the ANS, this stimulates the adrenal medulla in the adrenal glands which releases adrenaline and neo-adrenaline into the bloodstream
• What are some of the effects of the fight or flight system? 


  Increased heart rate, slower digestion and salvation process, larger pupil size, tensing of muscles and increased breathing rate