The Endocrine System

• The Endocrine System - a network of glands throughout the body that produce & secrete hormones
• Endocrine glands - special groups of cells within the endocrine system whose function it is to produce & secrete hormones
• The main Endocrine glands are pituitary, adrenal & ovaries/testes
• Hormones - the body's chemical messengers.
• Hormones only affect 'target cells' as they have specific receptors which the hormones bind to
• Pituitary Gland - the 'master gland' whose primary function is to influence the release of hormones from other glands.
• The adrenal glands:

  • Part of the endocrine system
  • The adrenal glands are the adrenal cortex & the adrenal medulla
  • The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline & noradrenaline in response to 'fight or flight'
  • The adrenal cortex releases cortisol in response to stress & aldosterone which maintains blood pressure & volume
• The pituitary gland:

  • Part of the endocrine system
  • The 'master gland' whose primary function is to influence the release of hormones from other glands
  • The pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus
  • The anterior pituitary releases ACTH in response to stress
  • The posterior pituitary releases oxytocin