DHO Endocrine System Verified Solutions
Overview of the Endocrine System and Glands
1. What is the endocrine system? - Answer: The endocrine system is a collection of ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into
the bloodstream.
2. What are hormones? - Answer: Hormones are chemic...
- Answer: The endocrine system is a collection of ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into
the bloodstream.
2. What are hormones?
- Answer: Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that play crucial roles in
regulating various bodily functions.
Major Endocrine Glands and Their Functions
3. What is the significance of the pituitary gland?
- Answer: Known as the body's "master gland," the pituitary gland produces numerous hormones that
regulate the functions of other endocrine glands.
4. Where is the thyroid gland located and what does it do?
- Answer: The thyroid gland is a large gland located at the front of the neck, which secretes hormones
that regulate growth and metabolism, as well as facilitating the absorption of calcium by bones, thereby
lowering blood calcium levels.
5. What role do the parathyroid glands play?
- Answer: The parathyroid glands, which are embedded on the surface of the thyroid gland, are
responsible for regulating the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood.
6. What are the adrenal glands and their primary functions?
- Answer: Situated just above the kidneys, the adrenal glands release hormones. The cortex produces
corticoids, while the medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.
, 7. What hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex?
- Answer: The adrenal cortex secretes several hormones, including Aldosterone (which regulates
sodium reabsorption, potassium excretion, and water retention in kidneys), estrogen and androgens
(which govern sexual characteristics), and cortisol (which aids in the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbs,
enhances blood glucose levels, and contributes to stress resistance and anti-inflammatory responses).
8. What functions does the adrenal medulla serve?
- Answer: The adrenal medulla releases Epinephrine (adrenaline), which activates the sympathetic
nervous system to increase heart rate and blood pressure during stress, as well as Norepinephrine,
which also responds to stress conditions.
9. Describe the pancreas in terms of its endocrine and exocrine functions.
- Answer: The pancreas, which is shaped like a fish and located behind the stomach, serves as both an
exocrine gland (secreting digestive juices into the small intestine) and an endocrine gland (producing
hormones such as insulin and glucagon).
10. What are the ovaries and their roles?
- Answer: The ovaries, located on either side of the lower abdominopelvic area, are female gonads
responsible for producing ova (egg cells) and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
11. What is the function of the testes?
- Answer: The testes are male gonads that produce sperm and secrete male sex hormones.
12. What dual role does the thymus play in the body?
- Answer: The thymus acts as both an endocrine gland and a lymphatic organ, stimulating the
production of lymphocytes and antibodies during early development.
13. What is the role of the pineal body in the brain?
- Answer: Connected to the third ventricle of the brain, the pineal body produces Melatonin (which
may delay puberty by inhibiting sex hormones and regulating sleep/wake cycles),
Adrenoglomerulotropin (which may stimulate the secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex),
and Serotonin (which can inhibit the constriction of blood vessels and suppress gastric secretions).
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