PANCREAS AND GONADS

• Pancreas - located in the abdomen, close to the stomach; has both endocrine and exocrine function
• Pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans) produce:

  • Insulin - produced by beta cells; released when blood glucose levels are high
  • Glucagon -produced by alpha cells; released when blood glucose levels are low
• Gonads - produce sex cells and hormones
• Ovaries - female gonads; produce steroid hormones: estrogens & progesterone
• Testes - produce sperm and androgens, such as testosterone
• Estrogens - stimulates development of secondary female characteristics and female reproductive organs
• Progesterone - acts with estrogen to bring about the menstrual cycle, helps in the implantation of an embryo and prepares breasts for lactation
• Testosterone - responsible for adult male secondary sex characteristics and maturation of male reproductive system