The Nervous & Endocrine Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary difference between exocrine and endocrine glands?

  • Exocrine glands are found only in the digestive system, while endocrine glands are spread throughout the body.
  • Exocrine glands release secretions through ducts, while endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream. (correct)
  • Exocrine glands produce more hormones than endocrine glands.
  • Exocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream, while endocrine glands use ducts.

Which organ is responsible for producing insulin?

  • Pancreas (correct)
  • Liver
  • Adrenal gland
  • Pituitary gland

What role do hormones play in the body?

  • They only affect the glands that produce them.
  • They act only as neurotransmitters in the brain.
  • They regulate various functions such as temperature and hunger. (correct)
  • They are responsible for muscle contraction only.

What defines negative feedback in the endocrine system?

<p>It inhibits hormone production when target levels are reached. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During childbirth, which process involves positive feedback?

<p>Uterine contractions intensifying through increased oxytocin levels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'hyper' signify in regards to hormone levels?

<p>An excess of a hormone. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cells respond to insulin?

<p>Muscle cells, fat cells, and liver cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does insulin affect blood sugar levels?

<p>It decreases blood sugar levels by signaling cells to utilize glucose. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nervous system

The nervous system acts as a rapid communication network throughout the body, relaying messages between the brain and other parts.

Endocrine system

The endocrine system is a slower communication network that uses hormones to regulate bodily functions.

Endocrine glands

Glands that release their secretions directly into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands and released into the bloodstream.

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Negative feedback

The process where the body's response to a hormone reduces the production of that hormone.

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Positive feedback

The process where the body's response to a hormone increases the production of that hormone.

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Hyper-

A condition where a hormone is produced in excess.

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Hypo-

A condition where a hormone is produced in insufficient amounts.

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Study Notes

The Nervous & Endocrine Systems

  • The nervous system acts as a rapid communication network throughout the body, sending messages from the brain to body parts and back.
  • The endocrine system, a slower communication system, consists of glands producing hormones affecting distant target organs.
  • Glands release hormones into the bloodstream.

Types of Glands

  • Exocrine glands release secretions into ducts, like sweat glands releasing sweat onto the skin.
  • Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, including the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, adrenal, and gonads (testes or ovaries).

Hormones

  • Hormones regulate functions like temperature, hunger, sleep, and electrolyte balance.

Insulin as an Example of a Hormone

  • Digestion absorbs nutrients from consumed food.
  • Rising blood sugar levels are sensed by pancreatic chemical receptors.
  • The pancreas produces and releases insulin, an important regulatory hormone.
  • Insulin signals cells to absorb and use glucose.
  • Insulin increases glucose metabolism.
  • Insulin is released into the bloodstream, reaching target cells.
  • Muscle cells, fat cells (adipocytes), and liver cells have insulin receptors.
  • These cells alter metabolic processes, decreasing blood sugar levels.

Feedback Mechanisms in the Endocrine System

  • Negative feedback inhibits further hormone production.
  • Positive feedback increases hormone levels to stimulate a physiological response.

Examples of Feedback Mechanisms

  • Negative Feedback: High blood sugar stimulates insulin release; low blood sugar reduces insulin.
  • Positive Feedback: Childbirth involves the posterior pituitary releasing oxytocin to strengthen uterine contractions, and oxytocin levels decline after delivery.

Endocrine Imbalances

  • Hyper indicates excess hormone. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid secretes excessive thyroxine, affecting metabolism.
  • Hypo indicates insufficient hormone. Type 1 diabetes involves insufficient insulin production, preventing cells from using blood sugar.

### Maintaining Balance

  • The endocrine system maintains the body's balance.
  • Hormone imbalances can cause illness, disorders, and discomfort.

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