The role of the endocrine system, glands and hormones

• The endocrine system is made up of a series of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream
• The hormone gland produces and release their own hormone that affects particular organs of the body
• The bloodstream receives the hormones directly from the glands and carries them to their particular organ
• The pituitary gland lies under the base of the skull. It secretes eight hormones, some of which are responsible for controlling the endocrine glands of the body
• The thyroid gland produces thyroxine that controls the speed at which oxygen and food products are burned up to produce energy
• The pancreas secretes digestive juices. It also secretes insulin that regulates the amount of sugar in blood
• The ovaries in female, secretes oestrogen the hormone that controls the development of secondary sexual characteristics and play a important role during pregnancy
• The Testes in males secretes testosterone the hormone that controls the development of secondary sexual characteristics
• The adrenal glands lie just in front of each kidney. They secrete the hormones adrenalin and noradrenaline at times of stress