Endocrine system - hormones

• The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck.
• Hormones are chemical substances produced by endocrine glands which travel through the blood stream to target tissues or organs where they produce an effect
• A hormone is a chemical that releases into the blood stream
• They are created by organs called glands. Hormones help send messages to the cells around the body.
• Hormones

  Chemicals produced by the body and released into the bloodstream by glands, acting as messengers circulating around the body
• Glands


  Organs that create and release hormones into the bloodstream
• Target cells

  Cells with special receptors that match the shape of a hormone, allowing the hormone to lock on and make the cell behave in a certain way
• Receptors


  Special structures on target cells that match the shape of a hormone, allowing the hormone to bind and trigger a response in the cell
• Pituitary gland


  Known as the "master gland", controls most other glands in the endocrine system and is closely connected to the brain to ensure coordination between the endocrine and nervous systems
• Pituitary gland hormones


  • Play a critical role in keeping the body alive
  • Control most other glands in the endocrine system
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone

  Stimulates thyroid hormone production
• Follicle-stimulating hormone

  1. Stimulates egg production in females

  2. Stimulates sperm production in males
• General effects of hormones

  • Acting on all cells in the body
• Specific effects of hormones

  • Acting on certain organs
• Adrenaline effects

  • Increases heart rate
  • Shuts down digestion
  • Makes energy available to muscles
• Thyroxine effects

  • Makes cells consume more oxygen and nutrients
  • Increases body temperature
• : 'Each hormone molecule has a complex chemical structure with a unique shape. The target cells for a certain hormone have special receptors that match the hormone's shape, in the same way a lock matches a key. So when a hormone molecule meets up with one of its target cells it can lock on to its receptor there. That makes the cell behave in a certain way'
• Melatonin


  A chemical produced by the pineal gland at the base of the brain
• Melatonin release


  1. Eyes detect drop in light

  2. Brain orders release of melatonin into bloodstream

  3. Melatonin prepares body for rest and makes you feel sleepy
• Melatonin


  • Helps prevent cell damage that can increase risk of cancer and heart disease
  • Helps combat obesity and diabetes
• It's important not to interfere with the natural secretion of melatonin each night</b>
• Melatonin is a creature of darkness, so a dark room is one of the best tonics for your beauty sleep
• Hormones


  Carry messages around the body, like nerve signals