the endocrine system

the endocrine system

the body’s slow, chemical communication system that works by releasing hormones into the bloodstream

operates more slowly that the NS but its effects last longer

hormones

effect other parts of our body, including our brain

influence our relationship and interest in food, sex, and aggression

pituitary gland

“master gland”

regulates the activity of all other glands in the endocrine system

this gland is under the control of the hypothalamus and it sends out hormone signals to the other endocrine glands.

stress, growth, reproduction

thyroid gland

secretes thyroxin (which regulates metabolism), physical growth + development, + calcium rate

low energy, muscle pain, dry skin, depressed

adrenal gland

regulates the fight or flight response, release adrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine

involved w/ metabolism

regulates arousal

pancreas

produces insulin, regulates level of sugar (glucose) in the blood, helps us get energy from food

gonads (sex glands)

1. testes - releases the hormone testosterone

2. ovaries - release the hormones estrogen and progesterone

regulates bodily development (secondary sex development) and maintains reproductive organs in adults (produces sperm/eggs)

True

T/F: the same chemicals can be used as both hormone and neurotransmitter

hormones speed

slow

hormones length of influence

effects can last a long time

hormones method of transmission

bloodstream

neurotransmitters speed of transmission

super fast

neurotransmitters length of influence

effects only last a few minutes

neurotransmitters method of transmission

neural transmission