Flashcards · Biology · Hormones and Reproduction

The Endocrine System

16 cards

What is a hormone?

A chemical messenger made in a gland and carried in the blood.
What is an endocrine gland?

A gland that releases hormones directly into the blood.
How do hormones travel round the body?

In the blood plasma.
What is a target organ?

An organ with receptors for a hormone, which responds to it.
Why is the pituitary gland called the master gland?

Its hormones control other glands.
Which hormone does the thyroid gland release?

Thyroxine.
Which hormones does the pancreas release?

Insulin and glucagon.
Which hormone do the adrenal glands release?

Adrenaline.
Which hormones do the ovaries release?

Oestrogen and progesterone.
Which hormone do the testes release?

Testosterone.
Where is the pituitary gland?

At the base of the brain.
Where are the adrenal glands?

On top of the kidneys.
Is the effect of a hormone fast or slow?

Slower than a nerve impulse, but longer lasting.
What does FSH do?

Makes eggs mature in the ovary.
Who discovered insulin?

Banting and Best, in 1921.
Common mistake about hormones?

Saying that a hormone only travels to its target organ. It goes everywhere in the blood, but only target organs respond.