the endocrine system

What is a gland

An organ in the body that synthesises hormones

What is a hormone

Biochemical substance that circulates in that blood but only effects target organs

what is the endocrine system

instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream, regulating activity of cells and organs in the body

how does the endocrine system communicate

via hormone chemicals

how fast do the nervous system and endocrine system work?

0.25 and 2-3 seconds

what is the adrenal gland

produces adrenaline used to prepare for fight or flight response

what is the hypothalamus

brain region secretes hormones. controls the pituitary gland. regulates the endocrine system

what is the pituitary gland

master gland, controls all other glands

fight or flight stage 1

stress perceived, hypothalamus activates pituitary gland to trigger activity on sympathetic branch of ANS

fight or flight stage 2

ANS changes from resting to physiologically aroused sympathetic state

fight or flight stage 3

adrenaline released to bloodstream, triggers phisiological changes in the body

fight or flight stage 4

acute automatic reaction, as soon as they body knows there is threat

fight or flight stage 5

threat passed, parasympathetic nervous system returns body to resting state, reduces activities- 'rest and digest'

what is released from the pineal gland

melatonin which regulates biological rhythms including the sleep wake cycle

what are the components of the endocrine system

gland and organs