Nervous and Endocrine Systems

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Nervous and Endocrine Systems lecture, focusing on their functions, structures, and interrelationships.

What are the two systems that coordinate functions of all body systems?

Nervous and Endocrine Systems.

What does the nervous system use for its communication?

Potentials (action and graded) and neurotransmitters.

What is the main role of hormones in the endocrine system?

Mediator molecules released in one area that regulate the activity of cells in other areas of the body.

How are hormones primarily transported in the body?

Primarily carried by the blood.

What are the two types of glands mentioned in the endocrine system?

Exocrine (have ducts) and Endocrine (no ducts).

Name at least three endocrine glands.

Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal glands.

What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland?

The hypothalamus is a major link between the nervous and endocrine system.

Which part of the pituitary gland is controlled by releasing hormones from the hypothalamus?

Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis).

Which part of the pituitary gland does not require releasing hormones from the hypothalamus?

Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis).

What are the two systems that coordinate functions of all body systems?

Nervous and Endocrine Systems.

What does the nervous system use for its communication?

Potentials (action and graded) and neurotransmitters.

What is the main role of hormones in the endocrine system?

Mediator molecules released in one area that regulate the activity of cells in other areas of the body.

How are hormones primarily transported in the body?

Primarily carried by the blood.

What are the two types of glands mentioned in the endocrine system?

Exocrine (have ducts) and Endocrine (no ducts).

Name at least three endocrine glands.

Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal glands.

What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland?

The hypothalamus is a major link between the nervous and endocrine system.

Which part of the pituitary gland is controlled by releasing hormones from the hypothalamus?

Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis).

Which part of the pituitary gland does not require releasing hormones from the hypothalamus?

Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis).

What are target cells in the context of the endocrine system?

Specific cells that possess the required receptors for a particular hormone to exert its effects.

What is the hypophyseal portal system?

A system of blood vessels that allows regulatory hormones from the hypothalamus to travel directly to the anterior pituitary.

Which two hormones are stored and released by the posterior pituitary?

Oxytocin and Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH).

Name several hormones produced by the anterior pituitary.

Human Growth Hormone (hGH), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin (PRL), and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH).

Which gland is often called the "master gland" and why?

The pituitary gland, because it secretes several hormones that control other endocrine glands.