Question 1: What is the endocrine system and what does it do in the human body?

Answer: The endocrine system is a group of glands that produce hormones to control many bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and mood.

Question 2: Name two glands that are part of the endocrine system and describe their main functions.

Answer: The adrenal glands produce hormones like adrenaline that help respond to stress. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism.

Question 3: Explain the role of hormones in the body and how the endocrine system controls their release.

Answer: Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the blood to target organs and tissues, regulating processes like growth and mood. The endocrine system controls hormone release through glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream in response to signals from the brain or other body parts.

Question 4: Describe what happens in the body when the adrenal glands release adrenaline during a stressful situation.

Answer: When the adrenal glands release adrenaline, it increases heart rate, opens airways, and increases blood flow to muscles, preparing the body for 'fight or flight'.

Question 5: Identify a situation where the thyroid gland might become overactive and explain what effect this could have on a person.

Answer: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause a person to feel anxious, have a rapid heartbeat, and lose weight quickly.

Question 6: Draw a simple diagram of the endocrine system. Include the brain (hypothalamus), pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and a target organ.

Answer: A correct sketch would show the brain at the top with lines pointing to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, then lines from the adrenal glands and thyroid gland to their target organs (like the heart or muscles). The diagram should label these parts clearly.

Question 7: Explain why the endocrine system is important for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Answer: The endocrine system helps keep the body's internal environment stable by regulating processes like temperature, blood sugar, and hydration through hormone release.

Question 8: Describe one way in which hormones can affect a person's mood or behavior.

Answer: Hormones like serotonin and adrenaline can influence mood; for example, high adrenaline levels can increase alertness and stress, while low serotonin levels are linked to depression.

Question 9: Imagine a person is experiencing rapid heartbeat, sweating, and feeling anxious. Which gland might be overactive and why?

Answer: The adrenal glands might be overactive, releasing too much adrenaline, which causes these symptoms.

Question 10: Sketch how a hormone travels from a gland to its target organ, including the role of the blood in this process.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a gland releasing hormones into a blood vessel, with arrows indicating the hormones traveling through the bloodstream to reach a target organ where they exert their effect.