Detailed lecture notes on The Endocrine system.
Bullet point notes, diagrams and comparison tables provided enabling thorough information required for upcoming exams
The Endocrine system
KEY TERMS:
● ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - one of the body’s major info systems that instructs glands to release
hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are carried towards target organs
in the body
● GLANDS - an organ in the body that synthesises substances such as hormones
● HORMONES - chemical substances that circulate in the bloodstream and only affect target
organs. They are produced in large quantities but disappear quickly. Their effect are very
powerful
● FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE - way an animal responds to stress. Body becomes
physiologically aroused in readiness to fight an aggressor or in some cases flee
● ADRENALINE - hormone produced by adrenal glands which is part of the human body’s
immediate stress response system. Adrenaline has a strong effect on the cells of the
cardiovascular system - stimulating the heart rate, contracting blood vessels and dilating air
passages
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM:
Glands and hormones:
● Endocrine system works alongside the nervous
system to control vital functions in the body
● Acts much slower than the nervous system but
very widespread and powerful effects
● Various glands e.g. thyroid gland which
produces hormones
● Hormones are secreted into bloodstream and
affect any cells in the body that has a receptor
that particular hormone
● Most hormones affect in several organs and can
lead to many diverse responses e.g. thyroid
gland produces the hormone thyroxine
● Hormones can affect cells in the heart (increase heart rate). It can affect cells throughout the
body increasing metabolic rates (the chemical processes taking place in the cells) can affect
growth rates
● Major endocrine gland is the pituitary gland located in the brain. Often called “master gland”
cus it controls the release of hormones from all the other endocrine glands in the body
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