Body Endocrine System
&
Coordination Chemical Control
Chemical Control
LI: To describe the structure and function of the endocrine system
•SC 1: Identify the role of the endocrine system
•SC 2: Identify and name the endocrine glands
•SC 3: Describe the role of the several important hormones
•SC 4: Explain the role of the hypothalamus
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system influences almost every
cell, organ and function of our bodies.
Consists of: Endocrine glands which produce
and secrete hormones (chemicals).
Glands
A gland is a group of cells that produces and secretes (releases) chemicals.
Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
The bloodstream transports hormones to cells in other parts of the body.
The major glands that make up the endocrine
system include the:
• Pituitary gland • Adrenal glands
• Hypothalamus • Thyroid
• Parathyroids • Pineal body
Reproductive
• Pancreas • glands (The testes
and the ovaries)
Function: regulating mood, growth,
development, tissue function, metabolism,
sexual function and reproductive processes.
Hypothalamus – a gland in the brain
The hypothalamus:
• is located in the lower central part of the
brain.
• acts like a bridge between the nervous
system and the endocrine system.
It can receive and send out commands through the
nervous system, and also produce hormones that
interact with the endocrine system.
Function of the hypothalamus
The hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland (which is located right underneath
the hypothalamus) to start or stop producing hormones.
The hypothalamus is involved in controlling things like body temperature, thirst,
hunger, mood and sexual development.
Pituitary gland: Secretes hormones that directly regulate many body functions
and controls functions of other glands.
Pituitary gland: Secretes hormones that directly regulate many
body functions and controls functions of other glands.
Disorders: To much growth hormones (GH) in early childhood can
result in a condition called gigantism. To little GH can result in
Pituitary Dwarfism.
Adrenal Glands: Release Testes: Male reproductive glands that
adrenaline in the body that produces sperm.
helps prepare for and deal with
Secrete testosterone to give the body its
stress.
Regulates kidney function. masculine characteristics.
Ovaries: Female reproductive organs that
produce eggs.
Thyroid: Plays a major role in Secrete estrogen and progesterone, which
regulation the body’s metabolism. control ovulation and menstruation.
Disorders: If the Thyroid Gland
produces to much Thyroxin, it can Pancreas: Secrete insulin and glycogen
cause a condition known as to keep the level of glucose in the blood
Hyperthyroidism. If to little thyroxin stable.
produces it is called Hypothyroidism.
Disorders: When the Pancreas fails to
produce or properly use Insulin, it can
cause a condition known as Diabetes
Mellitus.
Responses in the endocrine system occur slowly. It takes time to:
• produce hormones
• hormones to travel to where they need to go.
However, the response can last for a long time. This is because:
• the response will continue so long as hormones are in the area
• it takes time to destroy or remove hormones.
There are many different hormones that move through the bloodstream at the
same time, where they can be carried to all parts of the body.
However not all cells will respond to the same hormone.
Each type of hormone is designed to target and affect specific cells.
Cells have receptors that recognise a specific type of hormone.
Endocrine and Nervous Systems Summary
Transported
System Signal Speed Duration
through
Nervous System Electrical Fast Short Neurons
Chemical
Endocrine System Slow Long Blood stream
(Hormones)
Tasks
The Endocrine System
Hormones of the Endocrine System – Summary Table
