Endocrine system

• Hypothalamus (endocrine system) -

  -Connected to the pituitary gland and responsible for stimulating or controlling release of hormones.

  -Control system which regulates endocrine system
• Pituitary gland (endocrine system) -

  -Master gland cause hormones released by pituitary gland.

  -Controls and stimulates release of hormones from other glands in endocrine system
• Adrenal cortex (endocrine system) -

  -Releases cortisol which stimulates release of glucose
• Adrenal medulla (endocrine system) -

  Releases adrenaline which plays a key role in fight or flight
• Testes (endocrine system) -

  -Releases androgens including testostrone.

  -Testostrone is responsible for development of male sex characteristics during puberty while also muscle growth
• Ovaries (endocrine system) -

  -Releases oestrogen which controls regulation of female reproductive system, including menstrual cycle and pregnancy
• Posterior lobe in pituitary gland (endocrine system) -

  -Releases oxytocin, responsible for uterus contractions during childbirth
• Anterior lobe in pituitary gland (endocine system) -

  -Front

  -Releases adrenocortical trophic hormone (ACTH) stimulates adrenal cortex and releases cortisol
• Thyroid- 


  Releases thyroxine which is responsible for regulating metabolism
• Pineal gland- 


  -Main hormone is released is melatonin which is responsible for important biological rhythms, such as sleep wake cycle
• Endocrine system works alongside nervous system to control vital functions in the body
• Endocrine system acts much more slowly than nervous system but has widespread and more powerful effects