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Endocrine System Notes

The document provides tips for effectively answering questions about the endocrine system, emphasizing careful reading, structured responses, and the use of correct terminology. It details the major endocrine glands, their functions, and the hormones they produce, along with information on feedback mechanisms and common disorders. Additionally, it highlights the importance of understanding hormone types and the hypothalamus-pituitary axis in regulating body functions.

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2 views

Endocrine System Notes

The document provides tips for effectively answering questions about the endocrine system, emphasizing careful reading, structured responses, and the use of correct terminology. It details the major endocrine glands, their functions, and the hormones they produce, along with information on feedback mechanisms and common disorders. Additionally, it highlights the importance of understanding hormone types and the hypothalamus-pituitary axis in regulating body functions.

Uploaded by

navi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TIPS FOR ANSWERING & NOTES ON THE

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Tips for Answering Questions
• 1. Read the question carefully and identify keywords.
• 2. Highlight command words like 'explain', 'describe', 'compare'.
• 3. Plan your answer before writing: use bullet points or a quick outline.
• 4. Use correct terminology – especially in biology.
• 5. Include labeled diagrams where applicable.
• 6. Keep your answers structured: intro, main body, conclusion.
• 7. Practice past paper questions under timed conditions.
• 8. Revise definitions and functions – frequently asked in short questions.
• 9. Use mnemonics for remembering sequences or glands.
• 10. Review mark schemes to understand examiner expectations.

Notes on the Endocrine System


The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
These hormones regulate various body functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and
mood.
Major Endocrine Glands and Their Functions
• Pituitary Gland: Master gland; regulates other glands; secretes growth hormone, prolactin,
etc.
• Hypothalamus: Links the nervous system to the endocrine system; controls pituitary gland.
• Thyroid Gland: Regulates metabolism through thyroxine.
• Parathyroid Glands: Regulates calcium levels in the blood.
• Adrenal Glands: Produce adrenaline and cortisol; help manage stress.
• Pancreas: Regulates blood sugar by secreting insulin and glucagon.
• Ovaries (females): Produce estrogen and progesterone; regulate menstrual cycle.
• Testes (males): Produce testosterone; regulate sperm production.

• Here are additional detailed notes you can add to enrich your document on the Endocrine
System, organized by subtopics:
•
Hormones: Definition and Characteristics
• Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands directly into the
bloodstream.
• They affect target organs that have specific receptors for that hormone.
• Hormones are usually slow-acting but long-lasting, compared to nerve impulses.
• Types of hormones:
o Peptide hormones (e.g., insulin)
o Steroid hormones (e.g., cortisol, estrogen)
o Amino acid-derived hormones (e.g., adrenaline)

The Hypothalamus-Pituitary Axis


• The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland via releasing and inhibiting hormones.
• The anterior pituitary secretes:
o Growth hormone (GH)
o Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
o Luteinizing hormone (LH)
o Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
o Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
o Prolactin
• The posterior pituitary stores and releases:
o Oxytocin (labor, bonding)
o Antidiuretic hormone (ADH - water balance)

Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands


• Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4):
o Increase metabolic rate
o Promote growth and development
• Iodine is essential for thyroid function.
• Calcitonin (thyroid): Lowers blood calcium levels.
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH): Increases blood calcium levels.

Pancreas and Blood Sugar Regulation


• Insulin (from β-cells): Lowers blood glucose by increasing uptake in cells.
• Glucagon (from α-cells): Raises blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown in the
liver.
• Imbalance may lead to:
o Type 1 Diabetes: No insulin production.
o Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance.

Adrenal Glands
• Adrenal medulla (inner part):
o Secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline (fight or flight)
• Adrenal cortex (outer part):
o Cortisol: Stress response, metabolism
o Aldosterone: Regulates salt and water balance
o Androgens: Secondary sex characteristics

Reproductive Hormones
• Ovaries (females):
o Estrogen: Secondary sex characteristics, menstrual cycle regulation
o Progesterone: Maintains uterine lining for pregnancy
• Testes (males):
o Testosterone: Sperm production, male characteristics
Feedback Mechanisms
• Negative feedback: Maintains hormone balance.
o Example: High thyroxine → inhibits TSH release
• Positive feedback: Amplifies change.
o Example: Oxytocin during childbirth

Disorders of the Endocrine System

Disorder Affected Gland Description

• Hypothyroidism • Thyroid • Sluggish metabolism, fatigue

• Hyperthyroidism • Thyroid • Overactive metabolism, weight loss

• Diabetes Mellitus • Pancreas • High blood sugar levels

• Addison's Disease • Adrenal Cortex • Low cortisol and aldosterone

• Gigantism / Dwarfism • Pituitary • Excess or deficiency of growth hormone

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