1
Q
Endocrine System
A
- made up of a number of glands that release chemical messengers known as hormones into the blood
- these chemicals affect more distant cells (as opposed to the nerve cells that mainly communicate with other nerve cells)
- responds to input from the nervous system and from the hypothalamus
- especially involved with arousal, metabolism, growth and sex
- contains the below glands
2
Q
Pineal gland (Brain)
A
- releases chemical messenger, melatonin
- maintains our sleep-wake cycles
- melatonin used to offset unpleasant effects of jetlag
- melatonin usually released in early evenings and breaks down in the presence of light
3
Q
Pituitary gland (Above roof of mouth)
A
- body’s master gland: many hormones released activates the body’s other glands
- regulated by the hypothalamus
- direct the release of growth hormones
- other pituitary hormones control the production and release of sex hormones
4
Q
Thyroid gland (below larynx)
A
- raises or lowers rate of metabolism
- Low levels of thyroid: mimic symptoms of depression
5
Q
Adrenal gland (just above kidneys)
A
- activated by pituitary hormones in times of stress
- adrenal glands release other hormones including cortisol that travel throughout body and brain to provide a general wakeup message
6
Q
Islets of Langerhans (in pancreas)
A
- produce a number of hormones essential to digestion, including insulin
