Endocrine System Test Study Sheet

1. Know the difference between an endocrine gland and an exocrine gland. Exocrine gland: release their secretions through tube-like structures called ducts. (Ex: Glands that release sweat, tears, and digestive juices) Endocrine gland: release their secretions (hormones) directly into the blood stream 2. Know the names, location and function of each endocrine gland. (page 998) Hypothalamus: makes hormones that control the pituitary gland & makes hormones that are stored in the pitituary gland Pituitary gland: produces hormones that regulate many of the other endocrine glands Parathyroid glands: release the parathyroid hormone, which regulates the level of calcium in the blood Thymus: during childhood, it releases thymosin, which stimulates the T cell development and proper immune response Adrenal glands: release epinephrine and norepinephrine which help the body respond to stress Pineal gland: releases melatonin, which is involved in rhythmic activities Thyroid: produces thyroxine, which regulates metabolism throughout the body Pancreas: Produces insulin and glucagon, which regulate the level of glucose in the blood Ovary: Produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is required for the development of female secondary sex characteristics and for the development of eggs. Progesterone prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg. Testis: produce testosterone, which is responsible for sperm production and the development of male secondary sex characteristics. 3. Know what hormones each gland produces and what the hormone controls. Same as question 2. LOCATION: hypothalamus, pituitary gland and pineal gland = Brain Parathyroid and thyroid glands = Neck Thymus is located straddled across the trachea and bronchi in the upper thorax Pancreas lies behind the stomach Adrenals glands are located immediately anterior to the kidneys and lies beneath the peritoneum Ovary is located in the lateral wall of the pelvis Testis is located outside the pelvic cavity 4. Know how hormones help control homeostasis. Homeostasis is a state of balance inside the body, where the body systems work together to keep it functioning normally. The endocrine system is regulated by feedback mechanisms that function to maintain homeostasis by releasing hormones. 5. Know how feed back inhibition works. Feedback inhibition occurs when an increase in any substance feeds back to inhibit the process that produced the substance in the first place. Example of how it works can be demonstrated by the endocrine systems control of maintaining the rate of

Endocrine System Test Study Sheet

metabolism. When the hypothalamus senses that the level of thyroxine in the blood is low, it secretes TRH- thyrotropin releasing hormone. It stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete TSH- thyroid-stimulating hormone. TSH stimulates the thyroid to release thyroxine. Increased levels of TSH and thyroxine inhibit TRH secretion by the hypothalamus. 6. Know the different stages of human development and what happens in each stage. Fertilization-process of sperm joining an egg. Early development includes implantation, gastrulation and neurulation Childbirth, infancy, childhood and adulthood are the other stages. During infancy, an infant learns to stand, walk, speak a few words, and imitate others. From ages 5 to 12, children grow to about 70 percent of their adult height and weight. During adulthood, adults reach their highest levels of physical strength and development between 25 and 35. As we grow older, changes in mental functioning occur. . 7. Know what happens during the menstrual cycle. During the menstrual cycle, an egg develops and is released from an ovary. In addition, the uterus is prepared to receive a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, it is discharged, along with the lining of the uterus. Within 2 to 3 days of ovulation, the egg will pass through the uterus without implantation. When the level of estrogen falls below a certain point, the lining of the uterus begins to detach from the uterine wall. This tissue along with the blood and the unfertilized egg are discharged through the vagina called menstruation Four phases of the menstrual cycle: follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase and menstruation 8. Know what can stop the menstrual cycle. Cycle continues until a female is in her mid- forties. At this time, the production of estrogen declines and ovulation and menstruation stop. The permanent stopping of the menstrual cycle is called menopause. The average age for this is about 51 but it can occur anytime between the late thirties and late fifties. 9. Know where fertilization of the egg takes place. It takes place in the Fallopian tube. During intercourse, sperm are released when semen is ejaculated through the penis to the vagina. Sperm swim actively through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. Hundreds of millions of sperm are released during ejaculation so that if an egg is present in one of the fallopian tubes, its chances if being fertilized are good. 10. Know what the placenta is and what it is used for The chorionic villi and uterine lining form a vital organ called the placenta. The placenta is the connection between mother and developing embryo. The developing embryo needs a supply of nutrients and oxygen. It also needs a means of eliminating carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes. Nutrients and oxygen in the blood of the mother diffuse into the embryos blood in the chorionic villi. Wastes diffuse from embryos blood into the mothers blood PLACENTA is the embryos organ of respiration, nourishment and excretion.