All Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
The body's chemical communication network using hormones secreted by glands to regulate functions.
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers released by glands into the bloodstream that travel to target organs.
What is the pineal gland?
A gland that produces melatonin, regulating the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).
What is the hypothalamus?
The control center that regulates the pituitary gland and is crucial for fighting, fleeing, feeding, and mating.
What is the pituitary gland?
The 'master gland' controlled by the hypothalamus, regulating growth and releasing hormones like oxytocin.
What is the thyroid gland?
A gland that affects metabolism.
What are the parathyroids?
Glands that regulate calcium levels in the blood.
What are the adrenal glands?
Glands that trigger the 'fight-or-flight' response, releasing epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine.
What is the pancreas?
A gland that regulates blood sugar levels by releasing insulin and also aids in digestion.
What are the testes?
Male reproductive glands that release sex hormones for growth and development.
What are the ovaries?
Female reproductive glands that release sex hormones for growth and development.
What is the effect of increased cortisol levels?
Increased cortisol levels can lead to anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite.
What is the effect of melatonin production?
Melatonin production regulates the sleep-wake cycle, promoting sleepiness at night.
What is the effect of insulin release?
Insulin release regulates blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells.
What is the effect of oxytocin release?
Oxytocin release promotes bonding and trust.
What is the effect of epinephrine release?
Epinephrine release triggers the 'fight-or-flight' response, increasing heart rate and energy.
What is the effect of thyroid hormone imbalance?
Thyroid hormone imbalance can lead to changes in metabolism, affecting weight, energy levels, and mood.
What is the effect of a damaged hypothalamus?
A damaged hypothalamus can disrupt many bodily functions, including hunger, thirst, stress response, and regulation of the pituitary gland.
What is the effect of low calcium levels?
Low calcium levels, if not regulated by the parathyroids, can lead to muscle spasms and other health problems.
What is the effect of high blood sugar levels?
High blood sugar levels, if not regulated by insulin, can lead to diabetes and other health complications.
What is the effect of sex hormone release during puberty?
The release of sex hormones during puberty leads to the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?
It acts as the control center, regulating the pituitary gland and influencing functions like hunger, thirst, and stress response.
What is the function of melatonin?
Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).
What is the 'fight-or-flight' response?
A physiological reaction triggered by the adrenal glands releasing epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine in response to stress.
What is the role of insulin?
Insulin regulates blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells.
What is the function of oxytocin?
Oxytocin promotes bonding and trust.
How does the endocrine system communicate?
Glands release hormones into the bloodstream, which travel to target organs and bind to receptors, triggering a response.
What is the function of epinephrine?
Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies.
What is the function of norepinephrine?
Norepinephrine increases arousal and alertness and promotes vigilance.
What is the general role of hormones released by the testes and ovaries?
These hormones are responsible for growth, development, and reproductive functions.
What is the difference between the endocrine and nervous systems?
Endocrine messages are slower but longer-lasting than the nervous system's electrochemical signals.