Integrating nervous and endocrine systems
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Question
What signal does the nervous system use?
Answer
Fast **electrical impulses** carried along **neurons**.
Question
What signal does the endocrine system use?
Answer
Slower **chemical hormones** carried in the **blood**.
Question
Define a hormone.
Answer
A **chemical messenger** released by an endocrine gland into the **blood**; it travels to **target cells** and changes how they behave.
Question
Define an endocrine gland.
Answer
An organ that makes and releases a **hormone** directly into the **blood** (e.g. pancreas, adrenal gland, thyroid, testis).
Question
What is a target cell?
Answer
A cell with the **matching receptor** for a hormone — only target cells respond to that hormone.
Question
Contrast nervous and endocrine responses for speed and duration.
Answer
**Nervous** = fast and short-lived; **endocrine** = slower and longer-lasting.
Question
How are the nervous and endocrine systems linked in the brain?
Answer
The **hypothalamus** signals the **pituitary gland**, which controls other endocrine glands — so the nervous system can drive the endocrine system.
Question
What carries signals from the CNS to an endocrine gland?
Answer
**Neurons (nerves)** of the nervous system, often via the **hypothalamus and pituitary**.
Question
State one effect of insulin.
Answer
It **lowers blood glucose** (body cells take up glucose). Insulin is released by the **pancreas**.
Question
State one effect of epinephrine (adrenaline).
Answer
It **raises heart rate** (and breathing rate) for 'fight-or-flight'. It is released by the **adrenal gland**.
Question
State one effect of testosterone.
Answer
It **drives male sexual development** (e.g. sperm production, body changes at puberty). It is released by the **testis**.
Question
What is negative feedback?
Answer
A control loop where the **response opposes the change**, returning a level to its **set point** and keeping the body stable.
Question
Why does the body need TWO signalling systems?
Answer
The **nervous** system handles **quick** reactions; the **endocrine** system handles **sustained** changes. Together they cover both.
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Topic 3.6 hub
Integration of body systems
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