Zusammenfassung der Ressource
Chemical and electrical coordination 2
- The endocrine system is adapted to carry information from one
source to many destinations to bring about long lasting responese
- The endocrine system consists of a number of glands that secrete hormones (organic chemicals,
usually proteins or steriods). the glands of the endocrine system are called endocrine glands or
ductless glands because they secrete their hormones directly into the bloodstream
- Each hormone has its own target cells on which it acts. Therefore, although all the hormones
are transported together in the bloodstream, each has its own specific effect on the body
- Endocrine glands occur at strategic points
around the body. Their hormones regualte
a wide range of activities, including blood
glucos concentration, gastric secretion,
heart rate, metabolism, growth rate,
reproduction, and water balance.
- Local and chemical mediators. The nervous and endocrine systems are
not the only means of coordination in a multicellular organism. There are
many local chemical mediators that affect only cells in theor immediate
vicinity. Two such chemical mediators are histamine and prostaglandis
- Histamine is part of the mammalian non-specific immune system. It is produced by white blood cells and most
cells when the skin is irrated by a foriegn substance such as poison from a stinging nettle. Release of
histamine into the vicintiy of the irratation causes an accute inflamation involving pain, heat, redness, swelling,
and sometimes loss of function of theaafected par. Antihistamines act by inhibiting the action of histmaine
- Prostaglandis are modified fatty acids, often derived from plasma membranes. They were first
discovered in compoents of the seamen produced byt he human prostate gland. In seamen,
prostaglandis stimulate concentration of the uterine wall, helping to convey sperm to the egg.
They have another reprodcutive function. When secreted by cells in walls of the plasma, they
make nearby muscles of the uterus more excitable, helping to induce labour during childbirth
- Their more general function is as local regulators in the mammalian
defence system. During a viral or bacterial infection or after a
physical trauma, various prostaglandis help induce fever and
inflamation and also intensity feelings of pain. These unpleasent
effects acts as an alarm, informing the organisms that something is
wrong. Ibuprofen and asprin inhibit the secretion of prostaglandis