endocrine system

• 🫀 what is the endocrine system?

  network of glands that release hormones to regulate bodily functions
• what are hormones?

  chemical messengers to maintain homeostasis
• 🔑 key features of endocrine system

  • slow acting
  • longer-lasting effects
  • controls range of functions
• 🧠 location of pituitary gland

  below the hypothalamus in the brain
• function of pituitary gland

  controls other endocrine glands and influences growth and development
• hormones released by pituitary gland

  ACTH
• 👔 location of thyroid gland

  in the neck
• function of thyroid gland

  • regulate metabolism
  • energy production
  • growth
• hormones produced by thyroid gland

  thyroxine
• 🫘 location of adrenal glands

  on top of the kidneys
• function of adrenal glands

  • manage stress
  • regulate metabolic processes
• 2 parts of the adrenal glands

  1. adrenal cortex
  2. adrenal medulla
• hormones produced by adrenal cortex

  • cortisol
  • aldosterone
• hormones by adrenal medulla

  • adrenaline
  • noradrenaline
• 🍕 location of pancreas

  behind the stomach
• function of pancreas

  regulates blood sugar levels
• hormones produced by pancreas

  • insulin
  • glucagon
• 🤰🏼 location of ovaries

  pelvic cavity
• function of ovaries

  • regulates female reproductive system
  • fertility
  • secondary sexual characteristics
• hormones produced by ovaries

  • estrogen
  • progesterone
• 🤦🏼‍♂️ location of testes

  scrotum
• function of testes

  • regulates male reproductive system
  • secondary sexual characteristics
• hormones produced by testes

  testosterone
• process of hormonal control

  1. hypothalamus releases hormones
  2. pituitary gland releases hormone to stimulate or inhibit glands
  3. negative feedback loop
• hormonal effects

  • growth and development
  • metabolism
  • stress response
  • reproduction and sexual behaviour
• ✅ endocrine system

  objective methods

  • measured using reliable and quantifiable data
  • increases validity of biological explanations
  • high scientific credibility
• ✅ endocrine system

  relevance

  • development of hormone therapies
  • improve health outcomes and quality of life
  • practical value
• ❌ endocrine system

  hormonal effects are complex

  • interact with biological and environmental factors
  • difficult to establish cause and effect
  • reduces explanatory power