The endocrine system

• A hormone is a chemical produced by glands, once a hormone has been used it is destroyed by the liver
• Hormones are released into the bloodstream to be transported around the body
• During Childhood, the pituitary gland secretes growth hormones
• Growth hormones stimulate bone growth and muscle development
• When glucose levels rise in the blood, the pancreas secretes insulin. This lowers blood sugar levels
• When we are shocked/excited/stressed, the adrenals secrete adrenaline which prepares the body for 'fight or flight'
• Throughout life (in various quantities), the thyroid excretes thyroxine which controls metabolic rate
• Throughout life (rise in levels during puberty) , the testes produce testosterone which controls development of sex organs and secondary sex characteristics
• Throughout life (rise in levels during puberty) , the ovaries produce oestrogen which controls development of sex organs and secondary sex characteristics
• Many processes in the body are controlled by hormones
• Primary sexual characteristics are the ones we are born with (e.g ovaries)
• Secondary sexual characteristics develop at puberty (e.g breasts)
• The endocrine system