The endocrine system: Homeostasis and response: Biology: GCSE (9:1)

• Endocrine system


  Consists of glands that control many of the body's activities by producing hormones

  
• Glands


  Organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many of our bodily functions

  
• Hormonal coordination


  Body functions which are controlled by hormones released by glands
• Hormones


  Chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream and affect target organs

  
• Hormone response versus nervous response

  Hormonal responses are slower but longer lasting than nervous responses
• Target organ


  The organ toward which the effects of a hormone is directed
• Pituitary gland


  A master gland which secretes several hormones in response to many different body conditions

  
• Pancreas


  A gland of the endocrine system that produces insulin and glucagon hormones to control blood glucose

  
• Thyroid


  A gland of the endocrine system that produces hormones such as thyroxine to regulate metabolism

  
• Adrenal gland

  A gland of the endocrine system that produces adrenaline in response to stress

  
• Ovary


  A gland of the endocrine system that produces progesterone and oestrogen during the menstrual cycle

  
• Testis


  A gland of the endocrine system that produces testosterone to regulate male characteristics